Legend has it that the ostrich will stick its head in the ground when danger is near, hoping that if the problem is ignored, it will go away. Of course, no one has ever observed an ostrich actually doing this. It is just a popular tale. However, that some people have developed an “ostrich” mentality in regard to problems is not a tale. When problems arise, they do all they can to ignore them. They pretend that they do not exist, thinking that perhaps they will simply take care of themselves. This is usually a big mistake. Problems rarely just work themselves out. In most cases, problems need solving. They need to be addressed in a straightforward fashion. Ignoring difficulties is not the answer. Consider with me the following:
Problems Between Brethren
The church is made up of individuals. Wherever you have people, you have the potential for “people problems.” In fact, the biggest problem that consistently confronts the church in every age is the problem of brethren learning to get along, not when everything is “running smoothly,” but when differences arise. How should brethren act or react when there are differences of opinion? How should we act when a brother sins against us? In reality, each case must be handled on an individual basis.
If it is a problem concerning sin, repentance and forgiveness are required. If it is a problem that involves differences of personal opinions, it must be ascertained how important it is for those differences to be resolved. Brethren do not always have to see everything eye to eye, but it should be mutually agreed by brethren in such cases to disagree. Remember, we are not talking about a doctrinal issue that is going to involve collective action; we are dealing with personal opinions. Read Romans fourteen! It is important, however, that when there is a disagreement of any kind, it is to be talked out so that the proper attitude can exist. The answer is not to stick one’s head in the ground and ignore the situation. When problems are ignored between brethren, relationships break down, grudges are developed, and the church is weakened as a result.
Problems with self
One of the hardest things to do is face problems that we have within ourselves. We all have character flaws of some sort. Some are more serious than others. Because our character is so important as Christians, we need to work on even the smallest character flaws that we have whenever we can. Again, ignoring problems with self is not appropriate. It will not help us grow as Christians. It will not, in cases where it might affect our souls, help us to overcome the devil. It might be easier to ignore our personal flaws, but it is certainly not best.
What kind of flaws am I talking about? Well, they might range from talking too much to being short-tempered. Some people are always mad. That is a flaw that needs attention. Some people are prideful. Some people are too forward, always speaking their mind no matter who might be hurt by their words. These are characteristics in people that can and should be worked on. We have all heard people say, “That’s just the way I am” or “that’s just me.” That attitude will not help a person make it to heaven. We readily see character flaws in others, let’s take inventory of ourselves and see what areas need work.
We could probably say more in regard to problems in different areas. Problems arise at work, at school, at home, etc. But one thing is for sure—ignoring problems of any kind is never a good solution. When problems arise, let us not stick our heads in the ground and hope they go away. Instead, we must confront them prayerfully and try to solve them.