Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. – Psalm 34:19
“If you have made a diagnosis, don’t be surprised to see the symptoms.” I coined this saying towards the end of the COVID pandemic. My point really had nothing to do with the disease that had swept the planet, but I suppose that in the context of infections and vaccines, I was in a medical mindset. I became fascinated with people who 1) saw someone else with a problem, 2) declared that person to have a specific ‘condition’, and then 3) complained when that same person acted in accord with this condition. Perhaps a few examples would help.
“My ex-boyfriend is a narcissist. He only cares about himself, that’s why we broke up. I called him the other day to discuss an issue that affects both of us, and all he wanted to do was talk about himself! Can you believe it?” Umm, yes, that is consistent with narcissism. (Back in May, I wrote a column about how “narcissism” is one of the most over-used words today and that, without formal training, individuals should not be attempting to make such a diagnosis. My point here is that having made such a diagnosis, one shouldn’t be surprised to see the symptoms.)
“Young people today have an entitlement mentality – they expect everything to be handed to them. They don’t know the joy of working towards something and then achieving it. I am furious that they are demanding student loan forgiveness and Medicaid for everyone when they won’t even work 40 hours a week to contribute to society.” My question is: do they or don’t they have an entitlement mentality? If they do, then why complain about the symptoms of it? Address the condition. How did they acquire this mindset? What would help to shift their thinking?
“People no longer value human life. They don’t care: they abort babies, ignore the elderly, and promote death. I am horrified by the rampant gunfire, street crimes, and senseless murders.”
“The ancient Olympics were held at the religious sanctuary of Olympia in honor of the Greek god Zeus and were understood to have a mythological origin. The modern Olympics were designed to carry on this tradition. Can you believe that they mocked Jesus and the Last Supper at the Olympics Opening Ceremony, offending Christians around the world?” (To be fair, the Opening Ceremony was likely promoting a banquet for Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and pleasure, which only inadvertently resembled the table of Da Vinci’s The Last Supper.)
“My neighbor claims to be a Christian, but as far as I can tell, he is an atheist. I see him reject God, the Bible, and the Ten Commandments. He doesn’t come to church. Doesn’t he realize that his children will grow up without a moral law? Why isn’t he teaching them truth? He and others like him are the reason that our churches are so empty today.” Don’t complain; invite.
Maybe you can think of better examples. I just want you to see this: “If you have made a diagnosis, don’t be surprised to see the symptoms.” Or, as Peter puts it, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12). In Genesis 3:14-19, God made it clear that the world is broken. So, John reminds us, “Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you” (1 John 3:13). Let’s agree on the diagnosis: everyone is a sinner. Let’s agree on the prognosis: we will suffer. Let’s repent and trust in the remedy: we need Jesus as Savior. Then, you will not be at all surprised by the symptoms around you. You will see that God placed you here for such a time as this: to care for the lonely and afflicted. Don’t be surprised: God’s grace is seen Sunday morning. Join us and invite others to see deliverance from the unsurprising suffering of this world.
