Problems and SolutionsSample

Stern Measures  

The Old Testament reveals human nature at its worst. Had we not been living in this period of grace, mankind would long ago have been destroyed along with the dinosaurs. Problems abound, and God provides solutions, provided we accept them.

In a small town in India, two minor boys were found brutalized and killed. The gruesome murders were traced to a young man who was related to the victims. Many years ago, the boys’ families had been instrumental in putting his grandfather in jail. In his testimony, he said that from his childhood, he had heard his parents and other family members cursing those relatives, blaming them for their difficulties and filling his ears with their venom and constant talk of vengeance. When he reached adulthood, he did the unthinkable, his hatred overcoming his better judgment.

Generational hatred destroys families spiritually. Speak words of life and affirm the worth of children in their presence, teaching them the basic human values of love, forgiveness, understanding and tolerance. Deut.18:21 metes out the severest punishment to wayward children. However, the New Testament exhorts obedience, and parents not to provoke their children lest they become discouraged. 

The issues of the heart have to be addressed before they can be healed.

Envy and rage drove Cain to take Abel’s life, but God had already warned him in Gen.4:6, 7 (MSG): “Why the tantrum? Why the sulking? If you do well, won’t you be accepted? And if you don’t do well, sin is lying in wait for you, ready to pounce. You’ve got to master it.” Unfortunately, Cain did not heed the warning and gave in to sin.

Lot was considered a righteous man but his untold wealth placed many constraints on him. Had he counseled his family and imparted God’s principles to them, his wife may not have become a pillar of salt, nor his daughters seduced him into drunkenness and incest. 

Daniel and his companions took a stand. So did Joseph. So do countless numbers of God’s people even today.

1 Cor.10: 6-12 warns: Take heed lest you fall. Unproductive desires will ultimately lead you to ruin and spiritual loss. 

The eyes are the portal of the soul and the internet, TV and media are like wells which produce both bitter and sweet water at the same time. They have to be used responsibly. Draw out the good. Shut out the bad.

God’s solutions are often not what we want to hear, but from God’s perspective, they are always the best.