Problems
In his book, On Being Human, Ashley Montagu said, “Every human being is a problem in search of a solution.” For confirmation of that observation, we needn’t look beyond our own experiences. Everyone has problems.
When confronted with this truth we have only two options. One, we can turn to self-pity and become a miserable, negative person no one wants to be around. Or, two, we can believe in solutions and earnestly search for ways to overcome our problems. Most people will agree that the second option is preferable to the first. No one can lead a happy life without believing in solutions.
But when we make the choice to find solutions, another decision confronts us—where will we look? The world is more connected than ever, which means we are exposed to conflicting answers to the challenges we face. Where will we turn? Secular humanism? Science? Eastern mysticism? Psychology? Some good answers may exist in each of these sources, but none of them presents a total answer.
Where can we go for real solutions? Where can we find the kind of help that will solve all our problems? Solomon said, “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecc. 12:13). The word “duty” has been supplied by the translators. Literally, Solomon is saying that fearing God and keeping his commandments will make us “whole.” The only source for solutions to all human problems is the Word of God (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
In this series of open home discussions, we will focus on some common problems and the Bible’s solutions. Which problems? At first, we might think there are too many problems to choose from. Everyone is different, and as a human race we struggle with thousands of difficulties. But when you step back and analyze the greatest challenges facing humanity, it becomes clear that we are not all that different. In the words of Paul, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man” (1 Cor. 10:13). Every person is unique, but there are problems we can all relate to.
The first lesson this series will address is the greatest problem: sin. Sin is at the root of every other problem. If we do not understand God's solution for sin, there is no use trying to address any other challenges we might face.
Because time is limited, the rest of the lessons will address problems related to emotional wellbeing, such as stress, hurt, contentment, worry, and loneliness. One might argue that these issues are not as pressing as others, but when you consider them, you find they are at the heart of many other problems we face. For example, financial problems usually stem from the inability to be content with what you have. Furthermore, career problems often have to do with the inability to deal with stress. Family issues often come from insecurity related to loneliness. Solving the problems in this series will cure a lot of the ills that afflict us in modern life.
Trust God! We all have problems. He has the solutions!
