From the Blog

Feb
08
Posted by Bryan Clifton at 9:05 am

Problems are not as they seem.

On the surface, what looks like a problem is normally the symptom of a larger struggle going on internally. We try to fix what is noticeable. We take medicine for the symptoms, even though the reason for our sickness is unseen.

Unless we fix the core of the issue, the problem will continue to recur. Addressing the symptom does not fix the problem, it only prolongs the suffering.

Working on the symptom and not the core is like attempting to fix the walls of a house without making sure the foundation is secure. The core must be solid before anything else can be addressed. Attempting to fix the top layer of a problem without a solid foundation is pointless.

While this makes logical sense, we fail to put it into action. Constantly we run around putting band-aids on problems that need surgery. It is time to accept the momentary pain to create a brighter future. Address the core of the issue, not the symptoms.

What is the core?

Your core is your spiritual relationship with God. Spiritual relationships are not a separate section of your life. It is the core that everything else is built around. Without a solid spiritual relationship, other things play the part of “core of your life”. The problem with this is they are not suited for that spot. A constant feeling of loss exists, and the only cure for it is the right core.

God cannot be replaced by money, more education, athletic abilities, or other relationships. But each of these items have a part to play when built around the right core. With the right attitude, money becomes a blessing to allow great things to happen. Education becomes a tool to help others and not gratify yourself. Athletic achievements allow for a platform to show true character and purpose. Tim Tebow anyone?

Without a solid foundation, the rest of your life is destined to collapse at some point in the future. It might be tomorrow. It might be 10 years from now. But without a core that is solid, the rest of your life is built upon a shell that is slowly in decay.

The core of your life must be in check before you can fix the other layers.

QUESTION:

Is the core of your life in check? If not, what will you do about it?

Jan
17
Posted by Bryan Clifton at 11:01 am

How would you spend your last day if you knew you would die in 24 hours?

Would you do something crazy that has been on your bucket list for years, or would you take the opposite approach and keep it simple? Maybe spend the entire day talking with close friends and family members?

Chances are everyone has been asked this question at some point in their life. Most likely you have an idea of what your answer would be. For some it is humorous and full of good conversation pieces but not what you would actually do if the situation presented itself. Others are more realistic with their future actions.

Recently this question was presented to me in a different light.

If you knew you would die tomorrow, would you worship God differently than you do now?

It hit me right between the eyes.

It is very easy to go through the motions. Show up. Sing. Sit down. Listen to a lesson. Talk with friends. Go home.

We have all been there at some point in our walk with Christ, but that is not how I want to worship anymore.

This thought has been on my mind when I worship with a body of believers. I cannot express how beneficial it has been. It changes the way you sing, the way you pray, the way you deal with others, and the way you engage in scriptures.

It is easy to get consumed with all the bucket list items I would try to knock off if I knew death was coming in a few hours, but the most important pieces are your relationships with others and your relationship with God.

To be honest, we all could die today. I do not want to be morbid, but it is a fact.

How would your last act of worship with other believers go down in the record book? Did you put everything you had into it?

QUESTION:

What do you want your last act of worship to be?