Turning a Phrase
They call it “turning a phrase.” Two of the most popular are: “Plan your work and work your plan.” And “When the going gets tough, the . . . .” (What?) That’s right, “the tough gets going!”
Not too long ago I heard a phrase which I have heard many times; I’ve said it myself on occasion. I believe it is true and something we should always remember. It goes like this “Jesus is the answer to the world’s problems.” Regardless of the problem: its circumstances or severity, Jesus is the answer, He’s the way the problem can be solved.
Sitting there seeing the face of the person who made this statement (and as he was going on to say how he can personally attest to its truthfulness), I found myself “turning this phrase.” Yes, Jesus is the answer to the world’s problems. He is also the problem to many of the world’s questions.
CONSIDER how the world gives the answer: “winning is everything.” Jesus is the problem to that answer when he says “But many that are first will be last, and the last first.” (Matthew 19:30) The secular humanist answers, “the self is all that matters.” Again Jesus is the problem when he says“Greater love has no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 16:13) Or the answer of the 80’s: “Greed is good.” To this Jesus said, “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?” (Mark 8:36) And oh yes, “might makes right,” or “Power rules.” The problem is this “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (1 Corinthians 12:9)
Yes, Jesus is the answer to all the world’s problems, but he is also the problem to many of the world’s answers. Both are true. Both need to be remembered when the problems as well as the answers come our way.
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” (John 14:6-7)
Wendell Mettey
February 1989
Revised 3-7-2013
