A Source Of Solutions

Proverbs 8:12-16

Common sense and success belong to me. Insight and strength are mine. (Proverbs 8:14)

SOME OF THE PHARISEES, though certainly not all, were experts at pointing out problems. They focused on anomalies, departures from prescribed behaviors, misstatements, and mistakes. When in doubt, they interpreted a person’s words or actions in the worst possible light and then condemned their behavior. They assumed malicious intent with Jesus and applied skepticism in every unclear situation.

That isn’t hard to do. The world is full of cynics and skeptics who major on people’s flaws and neglect their true intentions and gifts. Unfortunately, so is the church. We have our share of Pharisees who focus on problems and interpret things they don’t understand in the worst possible light. They are experts at pointing out what’s wrong, lamenting what has been lost, talking about how things are getting worse and worse, and anticipating adversity. They may call it “discernment,” but it’s really just negativity. It is not a spiritual gift and requires very little perceptiveness.

We are called to a better way. Wisdom invites us to enjoy its fruits—to receive the insights of God and experience their benefits. We are told “we have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16), the counsel of the Holy Spirit (John 14:26), and wisdom from the Father (Proverbs 2:6). When we withhold these gifts from those around us and offer only criticism instead, we miss an enormous opportunity to bring God’s presence and power into this world. He has a solution for every problem, and he often shares it with those who know how to listen to him. He wants us to connect his wisdom with the world’s needs.

Cultivate that gift. Don’t be dramatic in your claims, telling everyone you have heard from God. Simply share the insights he gives you. Let go of any preoccupation you have with problems and become entirely focused on divine solutions. Offer the mind of Christ to a world that hungers for his blessing. You may eventually be asked where your insights come from, and your answer will honor him.

{Lord, forgive me if I’ve focused too much on problems, flaws, and mistakes. You are a God of solutions, insights, and restoration. May I become a minister of such things in every situation I face. Amen.