Issues with “Issues”

Search me, O 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

I thought it was a handy little word at first—“issues.” I could use it and not be too specific about what the problem, attitude, struggle, or complication was that I was dealing with. I could just say, “I have issues with _______.”

But as time went on, I came to understand that using the word “issues” could also be a cop-out. I wouldn’t have to be truthful about my . . . . . . . . . sin . . . . . . . . . I could just say I have “issues” with someone, and not say “I have bitterness with ____ because of my unforgiveness.” I could say that I have issues with ____ and not say that I have gluttony, laziness, selfishness, jealousy, guilt, impulsiveness, denial, negativity, conflict, misunderstandings, exaggeration, cynicism, anger, presumption, impatience, stubbornness, resentment, pride, you know—the list goes on. Hmm.

Granted, there are times when this word is totally appropriate, like issues in politics or issues of doctrine. But when we use it to cover up what we are really dealing with—then I think we need to put on the belt of truth and deal with what the matter truly is.

You remember the belt of truth? A good study of Ephesians 6 reminds us that the belt of truth is the very first piece of armor we put on in the fight against that which would defeat us in the spiritual realm. And when we read Philippians 4:8 we see that the wonderful list of things which are excellent or praiseworthy, on which our minds are to dwell—begins with “whatever is true. . . .”

Do you have “issues” with truth?? On November 1, 2007, Excellent or Praiseworthy included this message from Dr. James MacDonald in the devotional entitled, “Whatever is True. . .”

“There are four times that are the ‘toughest truth times’ for which we need to put on the ‘belt of truth’:

Truth about personal responsibility. Here are some questions to ask:
‘Am I taking responsibility for the situation I am in, or am I blaming someone else?’

Truth about my motives. ‘Why do I really do what I do? Is it about Christ,
or about me?’

Truth about my future. ‘I know that I am going to die someday.
Am I ready to stand before God?’

Truth about my relationship with God. ‘Have I come to terms with my
sin nature and realized that forgiveness is only possible through Christ?’”

This is excellent teaching, and can bring us to the point where we can be still, let God examine our hearts, and then cry out to Him in confession and repentance. Does asking these questions from Dr. MacDonald help us to focus in on some of the real truth that we may be avoiding? And how many of our problems stem from a particular unconfessed sin in our hearts?

Those two steps—being still, and letting God examine our hearts—may be the most challenging steps of all. Maybe they’re even “leaps” of faith, because we must trust God to see what we oftentimes cannot see, or will not see. Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Fortunately God is the great cardiologist and knows exactly what to look for:

Psalm 139:23,24—“Search me, O 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 26:2,3—“Test me, O LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for Your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in Your truth.”

1 Sam 16:7—“Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

When we allow God to examine our heart “issues” and know where we are weakest, then we can repent and know that His perfect treatment is available—radical removal of sin by His forgiveness made possible on the cross, regular doses of Scripture reading and prayer, plus exercise of our spiritual gifts in service to others. But it all begins with that basic understanding of what is true about ourselves, our motives, our mortality, and Jesus Christ who is “the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6)

Do not seek to label sin as simply an “issue,” but seek God who has given His Son, Jesus Christ, as the propitiation for our sin so that we no longer face death without Him but have life everlasting—with Him.

Questions to Share:

1. Have you used the word “issues” in place of sinful thoughts, motives, or actions?

2. Think of two people with whom you have had problems. In prayer, ask God to examine your heart and reveal to you if there is sin which has prevented you from having a good relationship with them. Then go to God in confession of that sin.