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I AM THE PROBLEM

Nov 23rd, 2007
by Michael Krahn.

book_bluelikejazz.jpg“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:14

Last spring I read Donald Miller’s book Blue Like Jazz. Miller is a wonderful storyteller who weaves humorous, and sometimes sad, personal stories with the insight he gains along the way. One such insight had to do with the cause of the world’s problems. Miller says:

“Do I want social justice for the oppressed, or do I just want to be known as a socially active person? I spend 95 percent of my time thinking about myself anyway. I don’t have to watch the evening news to see that the world is bad; I only have to look at myself. I am not browbeating myself here; I am only saying that true change, true life-giving, God-honoring change would have to start with the individual. I was the very problem I had been protesting. I wanted to make a sign that read ‘I AM THE PROBLEM!’”

That was on page 20 of the book and that was when I decided that I was going to read the remaining 222 pages. Whether you are on the left or the right politically or religiously, if you go too far either way, you start to think that everyone else is the problem! We are always telling ourselves that if only everyone else was like us, all would be well. What if we all drilled “I AM THE PROBLEM” into our own heads? Would there be much of a “left” or a “right” anymore?

I thought it was really insightful of Don to say “I AM THE PROBLEM” and I think I’m going to have a T-shirt made that has nothing on it but those four words in big, bold letters. That should make for some interesting conversations. Let me know if you want one and I’ll have a few more made.

If I forget everything else I read in Don’s book and remember the page that says, “I AM THE PROBLEM” I would still consider it a worthy read. It is one of those statements that works itself into every day, changing your outlook and your responses.

“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2

“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3

Posted in: Blue Like Jazz, Books and Authors, Donald Miller, Emerging / Emergent Church.

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  • http://www.aldenswan.com Alden

    I think Miller is indeed insightful, but only partially correct here. “I am the problem” is a correct statement, of course, although it is only 1/2 of the story. The other (and more important) half of the story is “Jesus is the solution.” True change cannot really start with the individual, as the individual is still the problem. Grace (God’s empowering presence) at work in the resurrected individual is where we must start.

    As Martin Luther taught, we are condemned by the Law, but made new by the Gospel. The law constantly reminds us we are the problem; however, the Spirit constantly reminds us that He is the solution. I think I know what Miller was getting at, however, I think it can be counter-productive to stop half-way without also recognizing the solution.

  • http://www.michaelkrahn.com Michael Krahn

    All true Alden… I’ll let you in on a little detail. I have a long piece written about Blue Like Jazz that I am going to post as a series eventually, but I adapted this section for the cover of our church bulletin. There is a limited space in that archaic means of communication, whereas in this medium we can blather on endlessly.

    I mean, are we ever going to fill the internet?! I think not!

    Rock on, bloggers!

  • http://www.aldenswan.com Alden

    I am looking forward to more thoughts on “Jazz.” I haven’t read it, but have started reading Miller’s “Searching for God Knows What.” I quickly learned that it’s not a book to read in church as an alternative to a boring sermon. It makes you laugh out loud…