Houston, we have a problem
By Dean Collins
You likely recognize the popular line from the Apollo 13 film. This line has become a popular expression that many use as a way of acknowledging an unexpected issue in their business or life. We all face unexpected problems. It seems that even when we do great contingency planning, we learn that there is always something we could not have planned for and are forced to deal with. It is times like this that we say: Houston, we have a problem.
Getting through unexpected situations
I looked up the phrase and discovered that the quote is not quite accurate. In the actual Apollo 13 incident, it was astronaut John Swigert who delivered this desperate line:
“Houston, we’ve had a problem.” A burst oxygen tank in space created the strong possibility that the astronauts would not be able to return. Fortunately, they were able to solve the problem and return safely even though to do so was extremely dangerous.
I thought of this problem while quoting Philippians during my prayer time this morning.
Read these 3 verses out loud and slowly so that you get their full impact:
“Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.”
I have memorized this verse recently; and the more I think about it, quote it, and pray about the contents, the more I realize that we’ve had a problem, and we still have a problem. And the problem has to do with us!
Let your light shine
Just a few verses into the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said that we are the light of the world. And the familiar gospel chorus reminds us to let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. The reason we are to let it shine is because when the world sees our good works, they will give glory to God. When our words and deeds are like those of Jesus, then others are drawn to the light of Christ in us.
Paul states a connection that we would probably prefer to not notice. When we grumble, complain, and argue or dispute, there is a negative sequence of events. And these events culminate in non-believers not seeing Jesus!
Paul urges that we not grumble and fight among ourselves because when we do. We are certainly not blameless and innocent children of God. Our blaming others, blaming circumstances, and arguing about who is right, wrong, or better reveals our sin nature and not the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives.
Paul goes on to point out that the world is filled with plenty of crooked and twisted situations because there are many crooked and twisted people stirring up bad stuff. And the bad stuff is rooted in selfish motivations.
It is critical that we look and act differently than the world. When we do, the light of Christ breaks through the darkness and reveals truth, hope, and life. The only way that we can break through the darkness is by clinging to the word of life, Jesus himself.
The problem we have and that we must fix is that we cannot act like the world and lead anyone to Jesus. To really love and serve others requires that we do an assessment of self and see how much murmuring, grumbling, complaining, and fighting we do with each other. And by the way, we need to assess our attitudes and behaviors at home, at work, in our community, and even in the church. Grumbling and fighting tend to spread, and they work against our ability to love each other the way Jesus told us too.
So Jesus, we’ve had a problem; and today we want to repent of our grumbling and disputing about so many things. Forgive us and restore us by your Holy Spirit that the light of Christ may shine brighter in the places you have called us to live and serve. In Jesus name, Amen.
Your Time with God’s Word
Matthew 5:14-16; Philippians 2:14-16 ESV
Photo by Raphael Renter | @raphi_rawr on Unsplash
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