Topic: Problem-Solving Tools

Text: 1 Samuel 25:1-35

Key Verse: Thank God for your good sense! Bless you, for keeping me from murder and from carrying out vengeance with my own hands.1 Samuel 25:33(NLT)

God has endowed us with the ability to consider facts and make judgments. When we utilise this ability, we can resolve several problems before they escalate. Our text provides a simple illustration of how God expects us to utilise this ability as we face life’s challenges.

As believers created in the image of God and filled with the Holy Spirit, our ability to use our minds enables us to be agents of peace in our environment. Abigail was a sensible and beautiful woman, married to a rich man named Nabal, yet she was approachable to her servants. Her reputation for being able to analyse facts intelligently must have informed the servant’s statement.

 “You need to know this and figure out what to do, for there is going to be trouble for our master and his whole family. He’s so ill-tempered that no one can even talk to him!” 1 Samuel 25:17

She did not just spare her family from danger but became God’s instrument to deter David from a murderous act that would have haunted his reign as King of Israel.

Our conscience is another problem-solving tool God has provided to us. It is that inner voice that tells us what is right or wrong. When we persistently ignore it, there is the possibility that it will no longer send clear messages. When our conscience is allowed to speak, it makes us feel guilty when we have done something wrong and leads us to repentance. A simple statement of “I am sorry” can resolve a conflict.

Self-control is a powerful tool that can help us solve problems when we can control our thoughts, speech, and behaviour. Abigail, in our text, managed her responses well to have a favourable outcome. Our thoughts influence how we respond to problems. We can think of solutions or seek who to blame. We can even believe that we are not capable or qualified to make a difference and so refuse to take any action at all. Both mindsets are limiting and not from God. But with self-control, we can choose the right mindset and take control of the situation.

Our words flow out of our hearts; when we have the right thoughts, we will speak the right words, too. Abigail knew what to say that would sway David’s heart; she knew the moral principle to highlight to counsel him in his moment of emotional weakness. Wrong words spoken can trigger offence and escalate the conflict.

Our previous sinful nature, if not subdued, will want to influence us to behave in a manner not worthy of our status as children of God. However, by yielding to the leading of the Holy Spirit, we can avoid acting irrationally or reacting in a manner that creates more problems. The Holy Spirit has the power to help us act in wisdom according to God’s will. May the Lord help us use these tools effectively in Jesus’ name.

APPLICATION

1. What does Romans 1:18-32 teach about our conscience?

2. What does Jesus teach about the source of wrong behaviour in Matthew 5:21-30?

3. How does Philippians 4:8 help us deal with our problems?

4. What are some results of an uncontrolled tongue in these passages? Proverbs 6:16,19, 16:28,18:8

5. What is the message of Proverbs 10:14(NLT),21:23(NLT)?

6. What does Romans 7:18-19 teach about our need for the Holy Spirit?