When Two Worlds Collide
We often hear psychiatrists say "This is the age of frustration," and we see it on every hand. It may be that we see more of it in this generation than has ever existed, but it is doubtful. The very cause, which they point out as the main cause of frustration today, has always existed. For example, one writer suggests that most people live in two worlds; one a dream world and the other a world of reality. That, of course, is not news. But he continued to point out the danger of leaning too much on the dream world, for eventually the two will collide. When this happens a frustration may develop from which there is no escape.
We have several examples in the Bible of those whose worlds collided, and the sad results. Outstanding among them was the apostle Peter. He lived in a dream world concerning the kingdom. He had his own ideas about the Lord's kingdom, and had relied on his thoughts so much that he was not ready for what happened. He never understood the nature of Christ's kingdom until after Christ died. When Peter said he was ready to go to death for the Lord, I believe he meant it. He was thinking in terms of fighting with the sword. When he aimed at the fellow's head and took off an ear, he proved that he meant what he said. But Jesus had been trying to get over to them the fact that his kingdom was not earthly. No doubt Peter expected him to use the strength he knew he had when the enemies came to arrest him. Peter tried to use his, but things did not turn out as he had them planned. The Lord told him to put up his sword. He was not able to figure that one out. A few hours later he denied his Lord three times. Frustration set in when his two worlds came together, and he took the wrong road.
Most people have their dreams of greatness. When governed by an unselfish spirit, no harm can come. But unfortunately we often spend more time dreaming than doing, and are unable for the difficulties that are bound to come. This leads to frustration. The dreams we have may not be for selfish purposes, but they may not be practical. When the impractical is faced with the practical frustration will develop. Take for example the preacher who dreams of the enlarging of his powers, whether for selfish or unselfish reasons, may not be the issue. So he advocates ways of extending these powers. It has been done. One fellow once insisted that congregations without a regular preacher equip their meeting houses with radios, listen to him on Sunday morning, send in a "donation," and he would preach for them. This desire for extended powers may have been for either selfish or unselfish motives. We do not question these. But these two worlds finally came together. Frustration was the result. Unfortunately people do not always know how to cure their frustration without doing things that will lead to greater frustration.
Peter found the answer to his problem. Judas did not. Both of them had their two worlds to collide. When frustration took hold of Judas he went out and hanged himself. Peter repented and found his Lord again. The peace that the soul of man craves can be found in doing right. Jesus said, "My peace I leave with you." When one has done right, and knows he has done right, he will not live restlessly, and neither will he always be afraid that some behind the scenes in his life will come out. Obedience to Christ will cure this type, and all types of frustration.