Ironically, I find that when I focus on solving my problems, not others', then that's when God gives me the chance to help someone else with what I've learned through with my own situation. But if I start consuming myself with their issues and decisions, then everything gets worse.

Everywhere I look in mainstream Christianity, it seems that everybody is trying to look like they have it all together. They do this by the newest logical-sounding hypothesis. And I sit back and wonder what their point is, and where it's getting them. Another formula, another 8-part sermon series, another highly-educated five-week program. What are they trying to do? Motivate their flock? Get a book published? What?
And then there's Word of Faith people, whose message is so distorted by the mainstream in this day. I mean, all they do is simply take the Word for just what it says, and they don't limit themselves as to what they're willing to let come out of what the Word says. (of course, lots of people claim to do that) But the proof is in the results, and I like results that don't line up with "the way orthodoxy has always believed". Not too interested in the way they did it in Acts, either. We're always referring to the "New Testament" church in Acts, as if they had something we don't. They were far from perfect. (They even tried socialism, and it didn't work, just like socialized medicine won't work here, now).
What I'm saying is that I guess I'm more called to help people change their thinking to that of a child. Not to be like a theologian. I do want to give them answers they can count on, but I want them to understand that whats going to produce results in their lives is their heart's love for God, and willingness/motive to make Him first place.....not lists of rules.
I think I'm ready to start posting considerably shorter entries, but that's what I said when I started this one, too.