integration paper

Date: 02/05/2018

Those articles we read last week evaluate the nature of human beings in a number of aspects. Firstly, individuals desire to attain specific goals without paying the price. For instance, Christians want to accomplish spiritual change and growth without experiencing the struggles that accompany this growth. There are also in a hurry to attain their goals. However, growth in Christianity and in many other aspects of our lives cannot be hurried nor can it be achieved with ease (Kidd, 1990). The journey or our experiences determine the final product which is who we become. The author uses the example of Christians to reveal this weakness among human beings. The contemporary society is characterized by people who want to attain certain goals but they are not ready to undertake the necessary steps to get there. This is the reason behind most of the vices we are experiencing today. For instance, corruption can be attributed to the desire to get rich without working.

Secondly, people tend to remain in their comfort zone and resist change. This trend leads to a life of mediocrity without progression. However, these individuals are aware that embracing the opportunities that life is presenting them is a chance to grow and succeed. However, leaving the comforts zones is a scary venture that involves a degree on anxiety. An individual’s perception and the behavior that have formulated over time play a significant role to hinder their progression. The author argues that making progress in life is determined by a person’s ability to shun these anxieties and practice resilience. Furthermore, resilience should not be seen as a mechanism to prevent challenges but as an opportunity that strengthen people (Breakthrough or breakdown?, n.d). The author’s argument mirrors some practices that are common in the society. For instance, it is not easy for a drug addict to abandon their behavior even after discovering the negative effects that drugs have on their health. They might have the desire to shun the behavior but they are not ready to undergo the discomfort involved. Furthermore, this example also shows the effect of the habits that we have accumulated over time. They enslave us and make it impossible for us to progress. Eventually, this stagnation leads to miserable and unfulfilling lives. Therefore, every person ought to embrace change however difficult it might seem.

Thirdly, the two sides of human beings are explored. Both of them are in conflict with each other. This can be attributed to the fact that each side is nourished differently. Furthermore, each one of them seeks to achieve a different goal. The external side is hugely shaped by the society and outside forces. It represents the desires that we have to look perfect, accumulate wealth and attain success as dictated by the society. The inner side on the other hand is spiritual and seeks to do what is right (Brooks, n.d). It is in instances like these that we need to use our inner compass to determine the path that we ought to take. This move might involve missing out on some things that we consider precious such as creating wealth. However, following our paths and desires involves leaving that which we consider good in order to serve God and humanity. In addition, the inner man is always under constant attack from external forces such as the secular world.

References

Breakthrough or breakdown? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/shift-mind/201003/breakthrough-or-breakdown