Leadership, Not Litter, is the Problem

problem. prob·​lem | \ ˈprä-bləm  , -bᵊm, -ˌblem \

1a: a question raised for inquiry, consideration, or solution b: a proposition in mathematics or physics stating something to be done

2a: an intricate unsettled question b: a source of perplexity, distress, or vexation c: difficulty in understand ing or accepting

There will always be “problems” in the world. In the creation story, there was a problem of loneliness for Adam, for there was not a “suitable” partner. What was the solution? Woman.

Problems do not discriminate based upon your color, language, faith, economic status, employment, education, marital status, political ideology, or even how many pets you have. If it were not for “problems”, there would be no growth, nor opportunity for leadership. It is the moment(s) of perplexity, distress, frustration, and difficulties of understanding are where we (individually and/or collectively as a community) grow into something stronger or simply whither away.

• The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. Matt 26:11 (NIV)
• The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them whenever you want. But you will not always have Me. Mark 14:11 (NIV)
• The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have Me. John 12:8 (NIV)
• The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. Deut 15:11 (NIV)

Litter is not a problem. Litter is simply a sign of an unhappy, unhealthy, and not-so-helpful environment. Each one of us has three choices to make: (1) Ignore, (2) Complain, or (3) Address. Simply ignoring the issue is a selfish response that goes against the very nature of God. As creatures made in God’s image, we are designed to create, not destroy, or simply “walk away.” (God never walked away from you or I.) Complaining is simply being a clanging symbal… audio chaos (see 1 Corinthians 13:1).

To “address” a problem, one must first be able to recognize that there is disorder and believe there is a better, happy, healthier, and more helpful path. There must be a transformation, a move away from the old and a grasp of the new, in order to create and experience a new world. Without leadership, there is no leadership and the evidence may be littered streets and parks.

Leadership sees opportunities with every problem, then walks across the street. (Luke 10:25-37)

Enjoy your walk!

-Rob