Two kinds of division

The world’s greatest teacher told us plainly that a “house divided” cannot stand. This is true of nations, companies, churches and families. Certainly it is true of us as individuals.

To one degree or another we are all divided. In our conscious “heart of hearts” we desire freedom and success. Unconsciously however, we also battle with hidden wounds and fears that compete with our stated values and sabotage our dreams.

I am certainly no exception to all of this. I talk about my struggle in an article called  “My Past Life.” If you want to hear my story you can find it here.

The journey into a focused purpose is one of facing the truth about these competing commitments and of choosing to take personal responsibility for them.

Competing commitments are rooted in our darkest fears and deepest wounds. They are hidden underground so most often we are not aware of them. We survive crisis and trauma through defense mechanisms like justification, rationalization, projection and other forms of disassociation.

These survival tools help us elude short term melt down but also cause long term blindness to our underground issues. Dealing with our suffering this way is like taking extra-strength pain reliever every time your head hurts. The effects of these medications mask the source problems.

In the short run it’s easier and more convenient to take a few pills than it is to go to the doctor. The problem is that unresolved issues often escalate into greater problems. If we’re not careful our denial of the early warning signs can lead to major brain surgery down the road.

Our convenience society demands a “magic pill” for all of the things that we struggle with in life. People are on information overload. And for all of the books, CD’s, conferences and self-help advice that people spend their hard earned money for, very little ever really changes.

The answer is not more information. If it were, society would be cranking out new and improved people right and left. Most people’s idea of improvement, however is cosmetic rather than foundational. There is a lot of “plastic success” out there and pressure over time will prove the genuine from the false. If we allow the foundational corrections our success will radiate from the inside, outwardly manifesting in all areas of our lives.

Ironically, the solution to the dilemma of  personal “dividedness” is further division. Until the pain of staying the same becomes greater than the pain of change, most people will choose consciously or unconsciously to remain the same. This is precisely why God sometimes allows the pain level in our lives to increase.

Lasting transformation occurs when truth intersects with an emotional event. Jesus said it this way…”You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.”

I’m sure that as you recall the painful seasons of your life that two things are simultaneously true. On the one hand, you would never want to go through these experiences again. At the same time, you also learned things and made adjustments that you would not other wise have made.

In this sense, you would never want to give up what you gained through these experiences. These times of difficulty are the seasons, for good or for bad, (depending on the choices that you made through them) that define your life.

So the key to true life transformation is taking an intentional posture that is open to truth…the kind of truth that you are most resistant to…the kind that involves being vulnerable in terms of your inner “stuff.”

Human nature is to play the victim when faced with this kind of truth. If we’re are not careful we will avoid personal responsibility by blaming others, or the devil or God for holding us back. We might also struggle with bouts of self condemnation and shame. Neither helps. Each is a scapegoat from making the hard choices in life.

I realize you have legitimate reasons for hurt and disappointment. That’s the world we live in. Bottom line…there is only one person responsible for your progress in life. The one common denominator in each of your situations is you. If people or circumstance have the power to hold you back, you ultimately gave it to them.

When outward progress is hindered the grace for inward transformation is even more abundantly available. Make a choice to allow pain to accelerate to your growth. Use it as a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block. The choice is up to you. The way that you choose to interpret your events will make or break you.

I’m not saying that this is easy or that you have to do it alone. I for one, would like to help. I know that facing your fears can be easier said than done. That’s why my two partners and I have pioneered the Life Purpose Institute. Through this series of life purpose seminars we have created a safe environment for self-discovery and personal growth.

Our model prioritizes experience over information. Our exercises are designed to accelerate your journey into purpose so you don’t have to endure years of needless frustration, pain and confusion. If you want more information you can click here. A new cycle of trainings is beginning  soon! Blessings…R.P.P.

Randall Paul Pipes is a life development specialist helping people
discover and develop God’s unique purpose for their lives through
coaching, seminars, public speaking and resources. Visit him at www.lifepurposetips.com or contact him at randall_paul@lifepurposetips.com.

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Thank you! R.P.P.