Be the Solution
Though there is some debate as to whether Ghandi actually said, “Be the change you want to see in the world,” or not, the idea behind it is still brilliant. After all, we certainly can’t force others to change and become what we want to see in the world. So why not start with ourselves? In Chase the Lion by Mark Batterson, the author says, “Stop pointing out problems. Become part of the solution.” Growing up, my mom and dad would say, “If you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything at all.” This holds the same idea. If you aren’t going to say or do something that will make whatever is wrong better, just keep your mouth shut. My own version of this same idea is, “Stop griping, do something to change it, or be quiet!”
Pointing out the problem does nothing to change it.
When we see things we don’t like, simply pointing out what the problem is does absolutely nothing to change it. Sure, pointing out the problem isn’t doing anything wrong necessarily. But it isn’t doing anything right, either. And if we do this often we become very unpleasant to be around. However, if we see a problem and go a step further to become part of the solution, then not only is the problem solved, but this usually has a positive ripple effect to many others. Wouldn’t it be great to enter this New Year focused on our personal responsibility to effect change, and stop blaming others? That has some power!
How can we be the solution?
What do you see wrong in the world? Take a closer look and see if you see some of those same things wrong in your own family. Look even more closely and see if you recognize some of those same things wrong in yourself. Those are the things we can change. We can’t fix the world, but we can fix us…sometimes. And when we can’t, we can certainly surrender and let God work on our hearts. Maybe if we looked at the problems we see around us as a blueprint for looking inward, then we could, one by one, begin to make the changes that are needed to make this world a better place. Personal responsibility vs. blame. Maybe this is what real solutions look like. Let’s starting looking at how WE can be the solution. Why don’t we:
- Stop pointing fingers
- Look honestly at ourselves
- Make positive, personal changes
Power is in our actions.
After all, we don’t have control over what others do anyway, and criticizing is only a way of voicing our powerlessness. Power is in our actions. Why not be the solution, or at least a part of it, this year! And enjoy the ripple effect of changes that will follow us and spread to others in 2017.
May you all have a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR, and be the solutions our world needs!
