There are at least three approaches people take when seeking to rebuild something that is broken in their lives. One is the way of the “superficial optimist.” The emphasis here is on the word superficial. This is a cosmetic approach that deals only with surface issues.
These are people who are constantly in the process of trying to put a positive spin on difficult situations, often pretending a problem does not even exist. The superficial optimist will resist making any semblance of an honest evaluation, wishfully thinking that if he or she just waits long enough or hunkers down deep enough then everything will eventually be made right. The ancient prophet Jeremiah had this person in mind when he said there were some who say, “ ‘Peace, peace!’ When there is no peace” (Jeremiah 8:11).
Then, there are others who approach the process of rebuilding as “busy optimists.” That is, they admit there is a problem, but they attack it by trying to get everyone around them to be as busy as they can be. These people set up new structures and new organizational charts. They acquire new personnel.
They develop new slogans and motivate the troops with all types of positive-thinking techniques. But they never get around to honestly evaluating and addressing the situation. And all the new policies, new people, new plans, and new procedures in the world can’t keep a ship afloat if it has holes in the hull.
Finally, there are those like Nehemiah, who make an honest evaluation of the situation right from the beginning. They have the courage to face the root problems and deal with them directly. We might refer to them as “honest optimists.” They have the strength and patience, as well as the wisdom and understanding, to address the systemic issues and actually work to correct them.
Those who make such honest evaluations are not afraid of offending others or making enemies. They are not intimidated by threats, and they cannot be formed and fashioned into someone else’s mold. Such a person is our man, Nehemiah.
He got started right by making an honest evaluation of his situation. There may be many reading these words who are in need of rebuilding—perhaps it’s a relationship, self-confidence, or even a life—but they have never arrived at the place of admitting it.
Perhaps you take the superficial optimist’s approach, simply dealing with surface issues and ever saying “ ‘Peace, peace!’ when there is no peace.” Or it may be that you more closely identify with the busy optimist. Instead of honestly evaluating your situation, you busily cover up the problems by moving on to new people and new projects.
Learn from Nehemiah, the “honest optimist.” Look at him. Listen to him. He made an honest evaluation. He inquired. He learned. Then he admitted that, not only was the wall broken down and the gates burned off their hinges, but the people were in distress. And, as if that were not bad enough, they had become a reproach to their God. Is there any unfinished business in your life? Are there any walls that need rebuilding? Those who win at the game of life always finish what they start. But, before that can happen, they get a good start by making an honest evaluation of the problem. Rebuilders who go through the painful process of accurately assessing their situations are soon on the road to the realization that . . . it’s never too late for a new beginning! Keep God in your picture.
My name is Cesar and I’m a Voice in The Desert
#avoiceinthedesert
#unavozeneldesierto
www.mywalkwithmycreator.com
These are people who are constantly in the process of trying to put a positive spin on difficult situations, often pretending a problem does not even exist. The superficial optimist will resist making any semblance of an honest evaluation, wishfully thinking that if he or she just waits long enough or hunkers down deep enough then everything will eventually be made right. The ancient prophet Jeremiah had this person in mind when he said there were some who say, “ ‘Peace, peace!’ When there is no peace” (Jeremiah 8:11).
Then, there are others who approach the process of rebuilding as “busy optimists.” That is, they admit there is a problem, but they attack it by trying to get everyone around them to be as busy as they can be. These people set up new structures and new organizational charts. They acquire new personnel.
They develop new slogans and motivate the troops with all types of positive-thinking techniques. But they never get around to honestly evaluating and addressing the situation. And all the new policies, new people, new plans, and new procedures in the world can’t keep a ship afloat if it has holes in the hull.
Finally, there are those like Nehemiah, who make an honest evaluation of the situation right from the beginning. They have the courage to face the root problems and deal with them directly. We might refer to them as “honest optimists.” They have the strength and patience, as well as the wisdom and understanding, to address the systemic issues and actually work to correct them.
Those who make such honest evaluations are not afraid of offending others or making enemies. They are not intimidated by threats, and they cannot be formed and fashioned into someone else’s mold. Such a person is our man, Nehemiah.
He got started right by making an honest evaluation of his situation. There may be many reading these words who are in need of rebuilding—perhaps it’s a relationship, self-confidence, or even a life—but they have never arrived at the place of admitting it.
Perhaps you take the superficial optimist’s approach, simply dealing with surface issues and ever saying “ ‘Peace, peace!’ when there is no peace.” Or it may be that you more closely identify with the busy optimist. Instead of honestly evaluating your situation, you busily cover up the problems by moving on to new people and new projects.
Learn from Nehemiah, the “honest optimist.” Look at him. Listen to him. He made an honest evaluation. He inquired. He learned. Then he admitted that, not only was the wall broken down and the gates burned off their hinges, but the people were in distress. And, as if that were not bad enough, they had become a reproach to their God. Is there any unfinished business in your life? Are there any walls that need rebuilding? Those who win at the game of life always finish what they start. But, before that can happen, they get a good start by making an honest evaluation of the problem. Rebuilders who go through the painful process of accurately assessing their situations are soon on the road to the realization that . . . it’s never too late for a new beginning! Keep God in your picture.
My name is Cesar and I’m a Voice in The Desert
#avoiceinthedesert
#unavozeneldesierto
www.mywalkwithmycreator.com
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