Don’t Add To The Problems Of The World; Let’s Solve Them

By James Quansah

WE SAID in a previous message that sin is responsible for most of the problems mankind faces in the world. If this true, then, Christian believers who have been saved from the controlling power of sin can solve some of the problems in the world.
 
There is no doubt that the world needs solutions not problems. The world needs problem solvers not problems creators and the world needs more answers than questions.

Paul, the apostle, hints that Christians have a role to play in solving some of the problems in the world. According to him, Disciples of Christ Jesus can solve these problems if they “MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO LIVE AT PEACE WITH ALL MEN…”Hebrews 12:14.

Here, Paul agrees that problems, challenges or troubles are common in the world. Very often some of these problems that undermine development are related to disputes, conflicts and wars between individuals and nations.

But these can be avoided if the 2.2 billion Christians in the world learn to live at peace with their neighbours.
 
Thus, Paul charges Christians not to add to the problems of the world but reduce or solve them by their Christ-like character and conduct.

Jesus Christ walked the earth as a humble, gentle and loving man. He always taught His disciples to love their neighbours as themselves, and urged them to be peacemakers. He also taught them to forgive those who offended them.

Indeed, Christ, the Prince of peace, preached peaceful co-existence among His followers which is vital for development.
 
The writer of the book of Hebrews appears to have been influenced by the teachings of Christ to implore Christians to make every effort to live at peace with all men irrespective of their religious or ethnic backgrounds.

A man who lives by this command will not entertain a dispute let alone allow it to develop into a conflict. He will not do anything to escalate conflict or disagreement into war to destroy families, cities and nations.
 
However, he will learn how to mediate in disputes in order to promote peace. One thing we must know is that humans everywhere have different interests, ideas, beliefs and preferences in dealing with issues. Oftentimes, conflict results when differences in these interests or ideas are not properly addressed.
 
Conflict is detrimental to human society considering its spiral effects on lives and property. Violence erupts, wars break out, properties are destroyed, lives are lost, fear grips people, peace derails and development stalls when conflict escalates.

This is why it is important for Christian believers to live at peace with everyone
by not allowing differences between them to develop into a problem, dispute and finally escalate into a conflict.
 
They must learn to immediately forgive those who offend them, avoid sinning against one another, confess their sins to one another, promote peaceful coexistence, learn to be content with what each one has and above all love one another in the Lord.