Monday, July 8, 2013

"Why,Why,Why,Why,Why"

“Search me God, and know my heart, test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24

This weekend my husband and I had an interesting conversation regarding a pamphlet he read. The article stated that over time car manufacturing companies have learned to improve their processes in building quality products. The conversation quickly turned to how we could apply the methods described in the pamphlet to our life.

The pamphlet stated that whenever there was a break down in the manufacturing of a product, they learned that they needed to get to the root of the problem in order to identify the cause. The companies found that if they did not get to the root cause, they ended up masking the problem in order to quickly move the product through the process resulting in possible recalls and a product less than quality.

Here is the part that is interesting and can be applied to our lives.  What they learned was that in order to identify the root cause of the break down in the process, they needed to repeatedly ask the question “why” until a root cause was identified. They found that the first answer as to “why” something happened was often the answer with the least value.  But if they kept asking themselves “why” and with each answer becoming more honest, they would get to the root of the problem.

“The process is often compared to the peeling of an onion, layer by layer the answers get closer and closer to the core of the issue.  Another parallel is that the longer one peels the more likely there will be tears, as the first answer is the answer that most people will be comfortable with.”  FMEA Handbook

As my husband and I were discussing this, we couldn’t help but see the connection in addressing issues related to human behavior.  Many times we too when confronted with problems in our lives and when asked “why” will blame other people or things for our wrong behavior as a defensive mechanism; we know that if we truly addressed the issue there would be pain to us just like the peeling of an onion as we move closer to the core of the issue.

God never wants us to mask any issue in our life - He loves us too much for that!  He knows that when we are honest with ourselves before Him, this is when He can reveal the root cause to us, and then the true issue can be identified and the healing can begin.

The next time you are frustrated or feeling like life is causing you to lose your peace, don’t try to quickly fix the problem by masking it will comfortable explanations.  Instead ask yourself “why” at least five times because remember...the first time you ask yourself “why”, more than likely it will be the answer with the least value.  Let God help you peel away the layers to get to the real root cause of the issue that is impacting your peace.  And in the tears, you will find the answer.

Dear FATHER, You have perfect knowledge of man – such knowledge is too wonderful for me.  Thank you that even though You know us completely, You love us anyways. Thank you for Your patience and for always wanting only the best for all of us.  Help us to be humble enough to face the truth that You already know.  We love You and in Jesus’ Name we pray – Amen.

“...and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:24

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