Problem Solving
Part Two – Consideration
Hag. 1:5-7
Consideration needs to take place after you have identified the problem. [Neh. 5:7] Nehemiah when faced with a problem “consulted” with himself. He put some time and thought into the solution of his problem. In this lesson, we will assume that you have really identified your problem using the steps in part one. Now we will look at some things you need to consider.
- Do you really want to fix it or just stop some of the symptoms? [2Cor.7:1-7]
- Paul acknowledges their “earnest desire” to change concerning the previous rebukes, corrections, and instruction that he had given them.
- After going through the process to identify your problem do you really have an earnest desire to change?
- If you don’t, you will start down the path of repentance (or change of direction) and as soon as the symptoms lessen, you will return to your problem.
- Most folks who lose weight, enjoy the results, but if there was not an earnest desire to change the way they eat, they return to their old habits.
- Consideration must be made concerning the desire to FIX the problem for good.
- Have you been caught or convicted? [2 Cor.7:8-10]
- Paul was wondering if they were just sorry that they got caught, which is a worldly sorrow, or if they had sorrowed to repentance, which is a Godly sorrow?
- An old preacher once said “in lieu of conviction, intimidation will work”. A Godly sorrow that will lead you to repentance is one of conviction.
- A worldly sorrow is based completely on being sorry that you got caught, and leads to a bad result.
- Conviction will lead you down the correct path, and if you are not convicted (ashamed of your actions as seen through God’s eyes) you will not fix your problem.
- Consideration must be made concerning your conviction.
- Are you willing to pay the cost? [Luke 14:28-33]
- Really fixing a problem in your life will be a big project, have you counted the cost?
- There is a cost to fix it and a cost not to fix it, nothing is free! There is always a cost involved. [verse 28]
- The world is sure to mock you. [Verses 29-30], if you start and fail.
- You are outnumbered. [verses 31-32], encouragement will only come from the Lord. [1 Sam.30:6]
- You must be ready to give it all up! [verse 33] Are you willing to pay any price to fix your problem?
- Consideration must be made concerning how much you are willing to pay.
So far, we have covered how to identify your problem, and the things that you should consider before you choose to fix it. Next lesson we will study the Implementation of a plan to solve a problem.