Problem Solving

 

There are countless problems in the world, many of which are global, serious and demand the input of leaders and experts internationally to solve them: economic, social and environmental problems. For example, here in the UK, ‘stopping the boats’ carrying illegal immigrants has been engaging the minds of politicians for a number of years and a solution seems as far away as ever.

Every day we face problems, some of them very minor and inconsequential, others major and necessitating much thought in case we exacerbate them. It seems wise therefore to train us from early years to develop problem-solving techniques. So school examinations have become less of a memory test (demanding recall and regurgitation of facts) and instead require students to apply their acquired knowledge in problem-solving situations. Problem solving demands at least three things: identifying the problem, finding the solution and implementing that solution. If there is a breakdown in any of these stages, it is highly unlikely that the problem will ever be solved. That explains why, to a large extent, the world is in chaos and crisis: many problems have become apparent for which there is no solution as yet, and also, frequently, for one reason or another, an inability or unwillingness to implement the proposed solution leads to failure.

The greatest problem, by far, is that of sin, yet it never makes the headlines. It is packaged and publicised to be of no consequence and even as something desirable and pleasurable. The violence and immorality so prevalent in modern society are blamed on lack of social housing, a disadvantaged upbringing, peer pressure and a plethora of other issues. The story of Genesis chapter 3, which informs us of the entry of sin into the world, with its disastrous consequences for all humanity; the defiance and disobedience of our foreparents in the Garden of Eden, is treated with incredulity by some and downright contempt by others. The fact remains, however, that every single problem in the world is the result of sin, which has become embedded in our very being from the moment of conception. It has destroyed the relationship between man and his Creator, making us at enmity with Him. We cannot adequately express how detrimental sin has been and how much damage it has caused over the centuries. That is why we are mortal and must die: “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” Romans 5.12. We have all committed sin and not only will we reap the consequences in life but will be banished from God eternally: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” Romans 6.23.

Having identified the problem, is there a solution? Thank God, the remedy was in the mind of God in eternity, before sin was ever committed in Eden. The great plan of redemption, involved Him sending “His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him” 1John 4.9. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” John 3.16. The Lord Jesus Christ, the sinless Saviour, would take the place of the sinful and guilty and suffer for their sins at Calvary. “But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” Romans 5.8.

To implement the solution and benefit from all that the Saviour did for you, you must personally trust Christ as your own Saviour; no longer depend upon your efforts but rest alone upon Christ and His all-sufficient sacrifice to solve your greatest problem.

Used by kind permission of Assembly Testimony

All images used courtesy of Unsplash