Problem Solving

"The Lord abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are his delight" Proverbs 11:1

We have all, at some point in either our personal or work lives, faced a tough decision forced on us by circumstances. I see these moments as God presenting us with a choice between complacently going along with the ways of this world or taking a stand in spite of the consequences.

Discerning what is right from wrong is relatively easy if a person’s values and ethics are firmly rooted in faith in our Creator, we just have to pray and listen to our hearts. But in a world that presents with varying shades of grey more than black-and-white situations, knowing how best to navigate the ethical minefield is a whole other matter.

In German journalist Peter Seewald’s book, “God and the World”, the Cardinal who would become our current Pope had this guidance to offer on the topic of problem solving (pages 20-21 of the Prologue):

“How could I not have problems? In the first place, I always try to bring my problems into my prayer and to find for myself there a firm interior foothold. And then, I try to do something challenging, really give myself entirely to some task that is demanding and at the same time gives me satisfaction. Finally, through meeting with friends I can to some extent distance myself from everything else. These three elements are important.”

“The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice” Proverbs 12:15