I sat beside a psychoanalyst on the plane on my way back from St. Louis and discussed the status of young people in our society and how they are affected by the condition of our world. She informed me that from her study and observation adolescents in our society today have not lost their desire or ambition to become a great contributor to society, but merely have become lost in the fragmented society in which we reside.
I got to thinking about this; it’s like a puzzle that doesn’t seem to want to work. All the pieces are on the table and yet it feels like there are still missing pieces. Have you ever looked for that missing puzzle piece? Ever finished a puzzle and still had a piece missing? That feeling of the puzzle not being complete can drive you crazy.
That same feeling resonates in many people today of all ages. Let’s remember this as we lead people inside and outside the church. Our society as a whole encourages sin which ultimately leads to a fragmented, broken society. In turn, our world is full of broken and fragmented people.
Before we conclude that our society is somehow crazy or ignorant, remember that some are innocently confused, misguided and lost on their path to being complete. You, as a leader, may have a few pieces to that puzzle that they have been struggling with for years but they are looking through lenses that are broken and cracked. Have you ever had to wear glasses that had a crack in them? Ever had to drive a car that had a cracked windshield? If the answer to that is yes, you know that the crack becomes the main thing that you see without ever focusing on it.
Before we call the puzzle hopeless or a waste of time, look at it and see where you can fit in a few pieces to bring a more complete picture to the individual.
We have resources that can help us in this endeavour. Nothing is more enlightening than the instruction, encouragement and guidance that can come from the Word of God combined with His Spirit. Never underestimate what the power of God flowing through your life can do in another. Spend time with God and watch Him give you puzzle pieces and a keen eye as to where they fit in the puzzle of that person’s life. – Andrew Clarke
