I have been looking for ways to add more discipline to my often undisciplined spiritual life. In doing so, I have come across a variety of suggested formats for praying specifically toward the goal of increasing spiritual discipline. By leading me through a regular, regimented time of communion with God, these formats helped instill the order for which I was looking. As I investigated and practiced these prayer forms, I began to see that a similar general system could be used, not only to open my heart to God, but also to help guide me toward success in my workouts and in my professional life as well.
I began to think about how to describe and make memorable a simple, results-based program for achieving God-centered success in all facets of life. To make the process easy to remember it would help to have a simple memory device, like an acronym. In times of questioning when I have sought guidance my internal dialogue has been, “Well, I’m faced with something new and scary and I’m not sure where to turn. I don’t know what to do. I mean, seriously man, what’s up?!”. This question “What’s Up?” resonated as the simple guide for spiritual, physical and professional success. When feeling lost, uncertain, or confused, ask, “WHAT’S UP?”
W – Wide perspective
H – Head in the right direction
A – Attitude of gratitude
T – Truthful acknowledgment of the situation
S – Solution-based planning
U – Unselfishness in thought and action
P – Perspective review
In this three-part series, exclusive for Faith and Fitness Magazine, you’ll learn to ask “What’s Up?” when seeking God-based success in your spiritual, professional, and physical life.
PART 1
Ask yourself “What’s Up” while seeking guidance, discipline, and growth in your spiritual life.
W – Wide Perspective – “Do I Have a Wide Perspective Right Now?” Whether contemplating my place on earth, my purpose in life, or my relationship with God, I am aided by reflecting on His greatness, including His dominion over all things. How comforting to know there is nothing unexpected to God, nothing that causes Him to say, “Wow, I didn’t think THAT was going to happen!” Knowing and remembering this fact has been so comforting and helpful. It points me, my life, and my efforts of the day in the right–His–direction.
H – Head in the right direction – “Am I Headed In the Right Direction?” It has been my experience that it is in so far as I am able to turn my heart, will, and soul towards God and give all that I am up to Him consciously, asking Him for His grace, and purposing to live for Him daily, that I have been prospered and blessed. My life has not always been easy, nor will it be in the future; but I have found that God will work through me in the most fulfilling way when I simply turn in His direction. I encourage you to do whatever you can to make sure you are mentally and spiritually “headed in the right direction” at the beginning of each day.
A – Attitude of Gratitude – “Do I Have an Attitude of Gratitude?” The Bible stories that have always spoken to me the most are the stories of Jesus’ healing. In one such story He healed a group of men from leprosy (Luke 17). We may imagine the dramatic effect this had on their lives; Jesus had given them their freedom, had given them new lives in a very physical sense. Understandably, they ran off to (presumably) celebrate with their families and friends. However, the Bible does not follow these men. Instead, the story’s focus remains on one man’s actions, the one who came back to say “thank you” to Christ. Practicing an attitude of gratitude towards God for all that He has given us is such a healthy and potentially cathartic practice. As our actions often end up shaping our attitudes (and vice versa), I encourage you to just intend to focus on all the things for which you are thankful. What a gift to have this time on earth with friends, family, loved ones, challenges, triumphs, and opportunities for growth and learning. God is so good; He deserves our praise and thanks.
T – Truthful acknowledgement of the situation – “Am I Being Truthful in My Assessments?” This step is often tough, but like many other challenging things, can reap fantastic rewards. One way in which I’ve found value in truthful introspection is through confession of my own sins before God. Confession of sin (specifically naming it and requesting forgiveness) is such a freeing experience. Though it is a basic tenet of Christian life, I find myself often failing to confess my sins for long periods at a time. If we simply ask, God wipes our debts clean, completely removed from our record. This is just one of the things we can praise and thank Him for. If you have not experienced this forgiveness, I encourage you to simply say “God, thank you for forgiving me for (name specific sin). I know that you love me and that you forgive me, and I am SO thankful!” You will absolutely see a difference in your life if you do this with sincerity and gratitude.
S – Solution-Based Planning – “Am I Planning With an End In Mind?” When contemplating action associated with my spiritual life, I have often found that once I have prefaced this step with confession of sin, I will often be led in the direction that God wants me to go. There is a cleansing effect to asking forgiveness of sin, and I can take immediate action when I am led to a solution (especially after carrying out the previous steps).
U – Unselfish Thought & Action – “Am I Other-Centered or Self-Centered?” Many times I have come to the point of planning for action only to be shocked with the clear selfishness of my focus. In the times of planning, I encourage you to choose selfless, outwardly-focused actions that give from the strengths, favor, and blessings that God has given you.
P – Perspective Review – Check My Perspective Again. Once I’ve run through this process, I remember to wrap it up with a focus back on the greatness and glory of God. Within that context, seeing my place in the world, my value, and listening to the still small voice that guides me to God’s will for my life is often so easy. I do my best not to neglect this crucial time of reflection and a focus outward, toward God, especially since this is often the time that God chooses to fill me up, so that I may pass that blessing on to others.
Using the What’s Up acronym to remind myself of the values of perspective and humility, the solutions that often come from the application of these values, and the final check of selflessness and review of perspective has been a helpful tool for me. I encourage you to give it a try. Take a deep breath, stand or sit up straight, and focus on God’s greatness, which is beyond any circumstance or environment in which you currently reside. Follow through with each of the subsequent steps; then experience the peace that passes understanding, which God promises when we turn to Him.
