The mind of the prudent acquires Knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge (Proverbs 18:15). What the wicked dreads will come upon him, but the Desire of the righteous will be granted (Proverbs 10:24). Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the Opportunity (Colossians 4:5). What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—Practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:9). His divine Power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence (2 Peter 1:3).
Is there something that you really want to do something about? Is there something that you would really like to accomplish? Are you right now wanting to be doing something?
I hear people say that they are sick and tired of certain Indianola streets that are more holey than righteous. Perhaps they want to do something about it. I also hear people say that they are sick and tired of people getting shot in the streets – they sound like they really want to do something.
I have discerned from Scripture – and confirmed from personal experience – that in order to do something about anything, you need at least a little bit of five separate things. Let me say it the other way around: you won’t be able to do something if you don’t have each of these five things. What do you need to have? Some Knowledge, Desire, Opportunity, Experience, and Power.
Think this through with me. Motorcycles are a relatively inexpensive form of transportation. If you aim to commute to work on a motorcycle, you need to be aware of how they operate (e.g., which lever releases the clutch and which shifts the gears) – this is Knowledge. You need to actually want to get on one of these machines – this is Desire, which for some is crushed by fear. (Significant fear can kill Desire, which in turn prevents someone from actually doing it.) You need to have access to a motorcycle and time available (and, arguably, streets without potholes to ride it on) – this is Opportunity. You need to have practiced a bit, maybe on a long, flat parking lot, shifting through the gears, before you get out on the open road – this is Experience. And, you need to be able to balance the thing and hold it up when you stop – this is Power (and so is gasoline – you need that, too). If you don’t have each and every one of these, you can’t do it.
You can have A LOT of SOME of these and still not be able to do it. Consider an experienced biker who is now 90 years old. He likely no longer has the strength to do it. Without Power, extensive Experience can’t suffice. Overwhelming Desire by a 6-year-old won’t cut it. You need balanced amounts of each component of ability. Too much Desire has caused many a wreck. Too much Opportunity can create so much frustration that complaining wins out over doing.
Back to the things that you want to do: consider what might be lacking. Which items need to be addressed by how much and in what order? I mean, there are really only five things, so with minimal organization, you should be able to balance the priorities. (Of course, in order to balance them, you will need the Knowledge, Desire, Opportunity, Experience, and Power to organize.)
I liked the recent letter to the editor about gun violence. The writer offered a lot of ideas. He sounded Knowledgeable. I heard Desire. Certainly, we have Opportunity here in Indianola.
He indicated that he had Experience in law enforcement. Unfortunately, he acknowledged that he was a bit short on Power – he doesn’t live here and regardless would need help. Maybe that’s where you come in. Or maybe you see something else that needs to get done. We don’t have the Opportunity to do everything. Assess priorities. What CAN you do? Verify that you have each of these Five Necessary Components for doing something.
Scripture gives us a framework for doing things.
The Holy Spirit gives us Power. Some of the Power that He gives us is contained within the unity and collaboration that comes from joining together.
This week, think about what needs to get done and organize your checklist for doing it: Knowledge, Desire, Opportunity, Experience, and Power. Until then, it ain’t gonna get done, no matter how much ink is spilt expressing your Desire. Ask God to help, He has all the Power.
