Problem? or Solution?
In our recent discussions regarding politics and preception, I was reminded of something. My own faults. I am not one to seek out the issues of others. I am most definitely not one to try and prove people wrong. But in the midst of discussion, their is inevitably the opportunity to defend myself and in doing so, I very often point fingers or make claims.
Yesterday, I read something on a great blog by Stephen Brewster. He said,
“There are times you just have to decide you are going to be a problem solver and figure it out. Are your actions solving problems or starting them? Are you committed to figuring things out or pointing them out (usually the problem).”
This statement nailed me. In wanting to be a solver, am I just becoming the problem?
A great reminder for me, hopefully a good for one for you as well.
Wow. That nails it, doesn’t. So often we are encouraged to ‘confront’ sin (which is usually how a problem that people are struggling with manifests itself) armed only with the ‘fix-all’ advice to ‘accept, Jesus.
I think that before we can help people solve their problems we need to be willing to do more than just point them out and prescribe some sort of nebulous medication. We need to identify the specific problems that this particular person needs ’saving’ from; hunger, illness poverty, abuse, illness, . The sin in their lives usually manifests itself differently than the sin in ours and the way that we present the ‘cure’ should take that into account. And this can’t be done through verbal evangelizing alone. It’s easy to proclaim Jesus as the cure, but it requires more effort to see that the person who hears the message has a full belly or perhaps merely some trust in the messenger.
I had a boss a few years ago that if you came to her with a problem you better have a solution. The first time I went to her about something and she asked me what I was going to do about it, I had that deer in the headlight look and told her that I needed her to do something about it. Lucky for me she was patient and told me that next time I came to her about a problem I needed to have a solution. That has stuck with me all these years. Sometimes I forget to do this but eventually it comes into mind. I have learned that if there is something that I can do then do it but if not then I have to let God do the rest.
Angela Ramsey’s last blog post…Bull in a China Shop
Good point. But what would happen if every time you presented your boss with a problem you came with the same solution? In fact, when we reflexively tell people that Jesus is the answer isn’t that similar to telling people (let’s say you are a personnel or customer service manager)to just take their problems to the ‘Boss’? “Next person in line, please.”
Christian’s last blog post…Outta This World
Continuing with the analogy. From a boss’s perspective, it is always better to show up with a solution, when you present that problem. But, the boss may have to step in and solve the problem based on how equipped or prepared the worker is to actually solve it.
I guess what I am saying is I agree with both your thoughts. I think we need to be proactive in actually getting our hands dirty, then when we are in over our head, God will prove Himself in it.
Jesus is the ultimate answer, but in perspective, many won’t see Him as valuable., because they won’t see how He can solve their immediate problems. They are incorrect in thinking that He is some sort of “make it all better” kind of God, but in turn, we can say he is that “make it all better” God if we are offering Him up that way.
I saw this quote from a guy named Seth Godon the other day. He is a marketing guru. He said,
“Worldview is the term I use to refer to the rules, values, beliefs and biases that an individual consumer brings to a situation…Speaking respectfully to a person’s worldview is the price of entry to get their attention. If your message is framed in a way that conflicts with their worldview, you’re invisible.”
Some good wisdom for the Christian looking to share their thoughts.
What really helped me the most was that if I came up with some ridiculous solution then we would brainstorm other solutions and there were times when she was the only one who could solve it. What she wsa trying to teach me was not to just complain about things I didn’t like but to be willing to be part of the solution. I think this applies in everything. How many people complain about the economy, church, work, etc but aren’t willing to get off their butts and do what they can. It may not be alot but every little thing helps.
Angela Ramsey’s last blog post…Bull in a China Shop
Angela, yes. we need to be, at the least, a part of the solution.
I don’t want to be the finger pointer anymore.
We have to also keep in mind God’s general will vs his specific will.
God wants us in action for his kingdom. There are things that we do that are in his general will, but there are things that God directly points us to in his specific will. For example…God has been pointing me to be more of a Disciple and lead people too him. I can serve in some sort of capacity at church as a leader and there is nothing wrong with serving at church in God’s general will. However, God’s specific will wants me leading at home. I can not neglect his specific will in my life and just work in his general will, or I will not be as effective leading in his general will.
Right you are. I remember when I was so caught up with God that became quite the church rat – church committees (yikes!) youth group leader, church short order cook, bible studies etc. etc. Of course I was doing a great job at neglecting my family. Sheesh!
But not only that – who was I encountering during all that time? The same folks, day in and day out. It wasn’t just my family that I was neglecting but also my friends, my neighbors and a whole lot of folks I was never going to meet hanging out at church.
Christian’s last blog post…Outta This World