The Rational Mind: The "IT" Factor

What is that necessary component that all things need to survive?

We all know of that student who by their test scores and past performance have no business pursuing the program they are in -- and yet they are the ones who actually complete the readings prior to class, take notes, study, and ask questions. They may not be the A student but are earning their B and asked later on down the road to explain the material, they are able to articulate the concepts with a profound understanding. 

There's the friend who is riding more than just the struggle bus. They look fine to those who are just passing by, maybe even to friends. But inside them rages a fierce battle. The midlife crisis has hit them a quarter of a century early and they are hard pressed on every side, searching for meaning and truth. A sickness or an identity crisis that would rob most anyone of their joy and hope is the birthplace of transformation. You watch this friend in their fight and instead of concessions to the undesirable or succession from the problem all together, they shield up and continue on because they have an understanding that good can come of this.

Or perhaps we know of the couple who we would never pair together. He's ___ and she's not ___.  Their differences have brought them to deal breaking situations but we don't hear about those and still see them together. Instead of moving to bigger and better things, the level of their understanding of one another deepens and the ways in which they learned to communicate guide them to a greater love that isn't seen in typical relationships.

Or we know of a friend who in comparison to ourselves knows very little about the Bible or Church traditions. We have been diving into the Word for years, sharing in community and discussing big things. But yet in their short time in the faith they have an understanding and a knowledge of God and His love that we have only tasted. Maybe this friend is not a new believer, but a long time brother or sister in the faith. You watch on and see in them something that you cannot put your finger on. Perhaps in the quietness of their home you see the dog-eared pages of a Bible they do not bring to church or the stack of notebooks besides the desk that could only have years of intimate thoughts inside that have been prayed and submitted to the Lord. 

What is IT that all of these people share? Whether the setting is a secular classroom or a spiritual battleground there is a component that gives aid to the survival and success of each of these individuals. Lately I have wondered about these people and what IT is that drives them...both good and bad explanations.

For the first person I assumed it was either hard work or simply luck

For the second I assumed it was either stubbornness or courage

For the third I assumed it was chemistry or communication skills

For the fourth I assumed it was an initial "high" for the first person and then a steady devotion for the second person.

And yet, I am not convinced. I think what truly underlies each of these situations is a 

desire for growth.

A desire for growth is what separates the the student who learns because they can and the student who learns because they eagerly desire to know more. The desire separates the friend overwhelmed by a situation and who gives in from the friend who hurts and is confused but knows that if they endure they will be changed for the better. The desire separates the couples who call it quits or simply stick it out because they have to and the couples who embrace complexity and commit to seeing it through, knowing that growth is in store. The desire is what separates the friend who reads, attends church and bible studies and (probably even enjoys it) from the friend who earnestly seeks after God, to know Him. This friend genuinely desires to ask the hard questions, surround themselves with individuals who will challenge them and who they can challenge, and they stick it out through situations believing growth can result. 

Our minds can lead us to believe an infinite number of responses to the situations, trials, and relationships. A friend finds themselves in a challenging class and can chose how they will respond. The irrational mind says it's not worth working through, the bare minimum is enough, the professor is dull, and the class is a waste of time. The rational mind says "yes, these things are true, but I desire to grow and even though I may not be cut out for this, or I may be bored out of my mind, I can still learn something and that is all that matters"

My grandma and I were talking about a couple that we know and who I admire. The Mrs. is one of the most beautiful women that I know. They have lived as missionaries overseas, been poor and rich, mentored others, lost a child, opened their home ... they have had full lives. I made the comment that where are the others like them? Where are the gentle and compassionate guys like the Mr? and Where are the kind and gentle ladies like the Mrs? Why can't I be like her? My grandma responded that who they are today is who they have grown to be. As a couple but also as individuals they have embraced the unknowns, the challenges, the trials and the joy because they desired to grow and they recognize that our God is not a God of static movement but of dynamic change and growth when His people embrace it.

Look at your responses to the situations around you. What do you desire? Is it growth or is it happiness? The two are not mutually exclusive. 

We have to learn to act to develop habits. Habits are essential starting blocks. But what is it you desire? To grow will necessitate action or in the long run the less we will desire.