I'm the Problem and I'm the Solution!

Every Sunday I am inspired by my Pastor, Lonnie Keene. He brings a message that is anointed, timely, and specific. He makes sure that it is understood by providing analogies, using visuals, humor, and communicating at a level that everyone, regardless of age or culture can relate. For several months, Pastor Keene announced that he had a special message that was going to be really life-changing. And every Sunday after his initial announcement, I sat with eager anticipation for the message only to get another message and/or another messenger. Finally, yesterday he brought the life changing message and the topic was "I am the Problem."

Pastor Keene delivered as promised. You see we all experience problems every day. They come in a variety of forms. How we manage our problems impact the quality of our lives. Pastor Keene reiterated in so many different ways that regardless of my circumstance or situation, "I am the Problem." As I contemplated the message, I recognized how easy it was for me to look outside of myself at the problem. I thought about all the times I had identified others, the place/condition as the problem and realized that by doing so it had taken me longer than necessary to resolve the problem. The key word here is "resolve." When I thought about the times I identified myself as the problem, I realized it was those times that I more quickly and effectively resolved the problem. I have a continual battle of the bulge and love to identify the problem as my profession. You see I'm too busy; my schedule doesn't allow me to establish a regular time to exercise; my meetings with clients are often over food. You get the picture. Once I realize that "I am the Problem," the battle of the bulge can be resolved. Recognizing that "I am the Problem" means "taking personal responsibility for the problem" and that leads to solving the problem.

Personal responsibility is the first step to solving the problem. It requires looking at the problem from a different view. I now see the "source" of the problem as "me." And the only person that I can control is "me."  So here's what I have decided I have responsibility for:

•  being sure that I am spiritually fed
•  trusting God for everything
•  listening and learning
•  maintaining balance- mind-body-spirit
•  maintaining an environment and people that are loving, encouraging, and challenging
•  staying focused on my goals and mission
•  monitoring and measuring my actions

I am responsible for "being my B.E.S.T.!"

Note: Visit www.kingdomchristiancenter.com  for inspiring messages from Pastor Lonnie Keene