Stop Kicking Against the Goads

Much too frequently we fuss and complain about our present situation. We struggle with how things really are, as we recall how things used to be and how we wish all these changes were not happening. With this struggle, we become infected with anxiety, depression, grief, anger, etc. We seem unable to accept and adapt. Acceptance means that we recognize the way things are. It is as it is. That is a healthy outlook. Things are not as they used to be, and they will never again be that way. Our world has, is, and continues to change. Acceptance means recognition of changes. Acceptance, however, also needs adaption. Adaption means that I change or alter my attitudes, thoughts, and behaviors to give evidence of my acceptance of reality. Adaption means that I will need to learn some new ways of doing things. It is one thing to say that I have accepted but if there is not adaption, then there is no genuine acceptance. The Bible says to “quit kicking against the goads” (Acts 26:14). This was God speaking to Saul as he was being confronted on the read to Damascus. It was such a significant experience that his name was changed from Saul to Paul. There are folks who continue kicking against the “goads” of present reality of health, family (or lack of family), work, politics, church, ways of doing things, etc. They are still kicking against the “goads” and wondering why nothing changes as they want things to change and why they are so frustrated and angry. Acceptance and adaption are two sides of the same coin, and they go together. Stop kicking against the “goads” and work toward accepting and adapting. When you do this, you may discover a significant change in how you are feeling about reality. Frustration and anger may begin to diminish as peace and contentment start to increase. Such change in myself is healing or redemption.