Be the Solution

In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. He then hid himself and watched to see if anyone would move the boulder out of the way. Some of the king’s wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it.

Many people loudly blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear, but none of them did anything about getting the stone out of the way.

A peasant then came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to push the stone out of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded.

After the peasant went back to pick up his vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been.

The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the King explaining that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway.

I think we all know people who loudly blame others for all the trouble and inconvenience that surrounds them. And then there are people like the peasant, who quit what they are doing and act.

There is an old expression that I use from time to time: “Be part of the solution, not part of the problem”.

Proverbs 13:4 says, "The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied." ESV

And there is Ecclesiastes 9:10, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going." ESV

In this thing called life, we often find obstacles littering our path, testing our resolve and determination. Our reactions to these hurdles define our journey.

Some, like the affluent passersby, merely complain of the hindrance, blaming their government, yet taking no action themselves. They choose the easy route; “complaining without contribution”.

On the other hand, the humble peasant symbolizes the spirit of initiative. In other words, they are part of the solution; not part of the problem.

Unfazed by the challenge, these people see an opportunity for change. With unwavering persistence, they confront the obstacle, investing time and effort to clear the way. Their act of selflessness and diligence is not in pursuit of recognition but a commitment to improvement. They are part of the solution.

The Bible also teaches the value of diligence, resilience, and the rewards they bring.

Verses such at Proverbs 13:4 and Ecclesiastes 9:10 (above) as well Colossians 3:23-24, underline the importance of earnest effort and dedication. "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." Colossians 3:23-24 ESV

These verses remind us that diligent labor does not go unnoticed by Heaven; it carries its own reward.

Life's hurdles are not roadblocks but chances for growth, character development, and unexpected rewards. Each obstacle, when faced with determination and a generous, sweet spirit, unveils opportunities we might otherwise overlook.

“Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven…” Matthew 5:12 NIV

Chances are we will never be rewarded with a bag of gold coins, but our reward is in heaven anyway, right?

Every obstacle we come across in life gives us an opportunity to improve our circumstances, and while the lazy complain, the others are creating opportunities through their kind hearts, generosity, and willingness to get things done. Be a problem solver.

by Jeanette Stark – Tuesday, December 5, 2023