Solving Problems

When we are confronted with any problem, we should never deal immediately with the problem directly, in and of itself. The problem may simply be the symptom of a greater or real problem. Our tendency is to quickly respond to any problem we encounter, most of the time without even thinking. Get a group of people together and throw out a problem. What happens?? Everyone jumps in with their solution. No one thinks about whether the stated problem is even the real problem. Here is what we need to do: first, examine the issue and make sure you know what the real problem is, make sure you aren't looking at the symptom. Second, before attempting to solve that real problem, you must ask yourself which general principle from the Bible addresses the problem. Always look for the Bible's general teaching on a matter and then apply it to the particular problem at hand. 2 Peter 1:3 reminds us that God's Word has the answers, the principles we need to solve all the problems we face in life. Isn't that great! Look to the Answer Book.