I bet 9 out of every 10 resumes have “problem solver” listed on them.
Employers love problem solvers, and employees make good livings off of being good problem solvers. The more complex problems you can solve, the greater asset you become. Because of that, one of the most marketable skills to have is that of a problem solver.
However, this presents a problem when it comes to our faith in God. God isn’t necessarily looking for problem solvers to fill His Kingdom. He’s looking for a certain type of follower and “problem solver” isn’t the greatest skill He’s concerned with. God is looking for faithful, available, and teachable men and women who humbly admit they can’t solve all the problems.
Try telling a group of professionally bred problem solvers that the most important thing in their lives is something they’ll never be able to solve.
Their brains will explode while they spend their lives exhausted and worn out trying to solve only what God can solve.
We must be careful not to present Christianity as a club of problem solvers who use Jesus as a tool right along side of pie charts, spreadsheets, and matrix diagrams. Rather, we must present a vision of life with God that is far greater and fulfilling than anything we can do for God. He doesn’t need us, He surely doesn’t. But He wants us!
It’s one thing to work for God, it’s another thing entirely to work with God.
We are invited to be active participants in the Kingdom of God (which includes solving problems). We can either be a participant with God or try to solve it all instead of God. With, or instead of… I choose with.
Are you a problem solver?
Great stuff, Ryan. It’s hard at times not to step in with our own ideas and experience to try to right a wrong or fix things, but God has His ways and He’s after long-term healing and restoration, not short-term placation and band-aids. Too many times, we think we fixed something when really we only threw a blanket over it so we wouldn’t see it anymore. God gets to the root and He helps us do the same. Thanks!
Great point, Jason! We think we can solve things on a surface level when in reality there is a root issue that needs redeemed and made new…very well said. Thank you.
Cool thoughts! You created a nice spin on the idea of “problem solvers”.
By the way, I found newbloghosting company through your website. I signed up with them to host my new blog. Peter was really helpful! I’m glad I found the company from your site!
That’s great Brandon. Peter is a great guy and his company is great to work with too.
this is very true. MANY waste time trying to solve the unsolvable. it is crucial to accept the fact that some things can only be solved by God
I like most men tend to be problem solvers. I couldn’t begin to recount the problems I’ve created trying to solve the problems in and around my life. We as Christians are truly enlightened to “the mysteries of the universe,” but that wisdom is by and for the One who grants it.
Profound point about us as Christians setting ourselves up as the ones with all the answers and a problem free lives. It is all about His love demonstrated through grace. That looks a little different than pride doesn’t it?
Great post. Followed Jason over today. Thanks to both of you.
Thanks for such a great comment, Floyd. I appreciate you following Jason over here and contributing to the conversation.
Profound thoughts. I have to admit I am guilty of being a problem solver but God has been working in my the last four years or so on this issue and slowly I am learning the grace of resting in Him and waiting for His answers.
I feel that it is going to take me a lifetime to learn the “grace of resting in Him.” Dependence is counter-cultural to the American ethos of individualism and independence. Thanks for commenting, TC!
I try to do the problem solving for only the simplest of situations. I leave the tough stuff for God. He wants us to use our heads and fix things, but as you implied, it must be according to His will and His way.
Thanks, Mike. Great comment. God wants us to be responsible and good stewards with our resources… but it still requires an active dependence and trust.
Dang it! But I really love trying to fix things!
I agree, Ryan. Doesn’t really go along with the Kingdom mindset.
These are great points. I think it’s beneficial to know if the problem is worth taking the time to think about and solve. Some time we try and solve problems that should not be solved.