Problems, problems. Everyone has problems! Who doesn’t? It doesn’t seem to matter if one is rich or poor, Kardashian or peasant, old or young. Like death and taxes, it is certain that one will encounter problems in life. Not that it’s necessarily bad mind you, having problems makes life interesting. Without problems, we wouldn’t grow and develop. The book of James reminds us to, “Consider it pure joy,” when we, “face trials of many kinds,” because we will grow in perseverance. (James 1:2-3, NIV). The apostle Paul agrees writing, “we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3-4, NIV).
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Having said that, sometimes problems can be just too much. Last week, the tragic death of a family living in Sydney’s Northern Beaches. While we do not know all the details, the deceased were a couple from Colombia with two children who had, “significant mental disabilities,”. Who can tell what pressures lead the father to rig up a piping system, converting the house into a gas chamber? Was it the challenges of adapting to life in a different country and different culture? Was it the challenge of raising two children who had special needs? No doubt, those close to the family who will know.
We all have problems, but sometimes we may forget that others have problems too. Sometimes, those people with problems aren’t as far away as we think. Sometimes we forget that they might be the people living right next door. The Good Book reminds us to love our neighbours. What does that look like? How should we show our neighbours we care for them?
All brickbats, bouquets and banter welcome at info@narrominebaptist.org.au
