My back is killing me.

My back is killing me. I have had lower back problems dating back to 1992 and I have been able to control the problem with behavior modification.

This time the pain is much different and worse. And the answer is still the same. Yes, I am using medication but my goal is to change my behavior and not mask the pain with medication. (Eventually; drugs work wonders).

But I don't want to make my back problem the focus of my life. I don't want my back to become the focus of my personal conversation. Life is so much bigger than our health, our sports teams and the weather.

I want my focus to be on other people and their joys, desire and goals. We become very short sighted when focused on ourselves.

I enjoy what Paul says in Philippians 2:4- "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

I have seen what happens to people that look only to their own interests and I want no part of that fruit.

I also receive great joy in reading what Paul tells us after that starting in verse 5:

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus."

Jesus humbled himself and became obedient. This is truly what I need to do. Humility and obedience.

I do not choose them willingly; the opportunities to practice these virtues come from outside sources - for me it is my lower back.

I can be angry about my health problems; I can give in to the pain, give up and loose my ability to influence others for good or I can repent and make a change that will overcome my problem.

The blood of Jesus (even the physical problems) allows me to overcome. I can have a change of heart, repent and practice the principles that God has set in place for us to practice.

Jesus says: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33