Are You a Wimp?

No, it is a serious question.

In the Army, there was always the drive to be a “real man”.  It was a particularly competitive environment that looked down upon whiners, quitters and losers.

You know, God told Job to “Gird up thy loins now like a man” (Job 40:7).  Was that another way of saying, “Quit being a wimp, Job”?

From the outset, I am not advocating the “silent tough guy” image here.  However, it seems that our culture, as usual, has things backwards.  We need to learn to be tougher on ourselves and softer on others.

I read some of the statements about how “hard” it is was growing up in the Church.  Yes, it was hard.  Growing up period is hard.  I don’t remember anyone ever promising that the Christian walk would be easy.  I don’t remember anyone telling me that life would be easy, period.  Like the song says, “You never promised me a rose garden.”

I think we’ve let the culture get to us.  I sometimes feel down.  I sometimes wonder why things the way they are.  Then, I eventually come to the realization that:

• I have adequate transportation.  I don’t have to walk miles to get something done.
• I am overweight because I eat too much.  I am not weighing out portions in order to ensure some will be there tomorrow.
• I have a roof over my head.
• Most of my family isn’t dying because of AIDS or some other equally destructive and transmittable disease.
• I actually can choose different garments to put on in the morning.  I not only have clothes, but I have enough to stay clean.
• Speaking of clean, I have running water.
• I live somewhere in which I can practice my religion without fear of arrest.
• etc.

I keep wondering, “If I am having this much difficulty accepting these minor setbacks now, then what am I going to do when things get really tough?”  It strikes me that I should take to heart the admonition to enjoy the blessings I have now (Ecc 9:7-10).

We live in a society, though, that loves to complain.  It is always someone else’s fault.  We are a society of victims.  That’s why we have stupid yellow labels on things that say, “Caution: Iron may be hot.”  Or, how about, “Do not hang on shelf like a monkey”?  OK, so I greatly exaggerated the last one, but you get the point.

As a society, we collectively have become soft.  We blame everyone else and fail to take personal responsibility for ourselves.

We have become a nation of wimps.

If you want proof that the US is descended from Israel, look no farther than at how we as a nation whine and complain.  Israel “murmured” over and over and over again, until finally they became outright rebellious and were refused entry into the Promised Land.

Look at the facts:  They were slaves, and I mean real slaves that spent much of their time in hard labor.  God gave them freedom.  God offered them a homeland.  God gave them food and water.  God offered them hope.  And, they still complained!

Has this attitude affected you?  Your family?  Your job?  Your church?  It’s all around us and in us!  We must fight it everyday!

Instead, what are we told to do?  Be thankful!

 ¹⁸In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18, King James Version)

It is noteworthy to mention that while we won’t necessarily give thanks for everything, we should give thanks in every circumstance.

And, that’s not all!  Not only are we to give thanks, but we are to look at the positive in every situation!

 ⁶Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

 ⁷And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 ⁸Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:6-8, King James Version)

I’m not saying to pull yourself up by the bootstraps here.  Rather, I am saying to get on your knees before God and confess your ingratitude before Him.  List off to Him the things that are “right” in your life.  Tell Him the things to be thankful for.

There is a saying that we often take things and people for granted until they are gone.  Unfortunately, that has been true in my life way too often.  There is always something to be thankful for.  Seek it out, and thank God for it today.

And, quit being such a wimp!