'28' - Day 15

It’s always important to solve problems. When I worked in the business world, one of my jobs was to solve problems in the most efficient, productive and profitable way possible. For that, we used a business management strategy called Six Sigma. The basic method consists of the following five steps:

1. DEFINE: high-level project goals and the current process


2. MEASURE: key aspects of the current process and collect relevant data


3. ANALYZE: the data to verify cause-and-effect relationships


4. IMPROVE: the process based upon data analysis


5. CONTROL: to ensure that any deviations are corrected before they result in defects

Skipping any one of these steps may have resulted in a bigger problem than you had to begin with!

Acts 15 provides a biblical pattern for problem solving. Consider these five steps:

1. Identify the problem before you try to solve it! This may seem like a no-brainer. What is the problem? That is the first question to ask. It’s also important to realize that what initially appears to be the problem may not really be the problem. You may have to dig deeper than you initially expected to find the root cause. Make sure the “problem” really is “THE Problem.”


2. Allow full and open discussion at a meeting. Notice the words “after much discussion” in Acts 15:7. This shows they gave people time to talk. That took time. But to solve problems, people must discuss things. Tips: be polite, and talk about issues, not people.


3. Listen to those with experience related to the problem. The people took time to listen to the experience of Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:4). Experience does not always solve the problem, but we do listen to it. It’s a good teacher.


4. Apply the Scriptures to the problem. The Word is a light for our paths (Psalm 119:105). The Scriptures are our guide. They are the foundation of our faith (2 Timothy 3:16).


5. Separate the greatest issue from the lesser parts of the problem. I heard a quote recently that said, “What matters most must never be at the mercy of what matters least.” This goes back to Step 1 and making sure you’re solving the right problem to begin with. The biggest question here was “How can Gentiles be saved?” The answer was by trusting in Christ rather than the Law of Moses. The lesser question was “How can Gentile believers related to Jewish believers and their strict rules?” This meeting actually solved both problems, but the greatest question was addressed first.

The next time you have a problem, try following these steps and see how it works out for you!