Define
a "complicating problem". Give
a concrete example.
Like when knitting if you don’t
follow the pattern properly, but neglect to notice right away, and continue on
with a row of stitches; you, have to take out those stitches in order to reach
and correct the mistake.
“Complicating problems can make it nearly
impossible to reach principal problems until the complications are cleared
away. That is to say, they are of such a nature that, having grown out of
principal problems, they have so complicated the original principal problem
that it is not longer reachable except through them.”1
For
example; In Genesis 15-18 We read of Abram and Sarai as they faced the problem
of infertility while having the promise of God that their descendants would be
numerous, like the stars (vs. 5). Rather
than patiently waiting on God to work this miracle in her barren womb, Sarai
creates a complicating problem by suggesting to Abram that he bare a child
with Hagar, their Egyptian servant.
Then, when Ishmael is born, Hagar and Sarai are bitter and jealous (vs.
4). Sarai blames Abram (vs. 5). Instead of leading, and address the situation
biblically, Abram tells Sarai to handle it (vs. 6). Sarai could have seen her
fault, and repent of her sin to Abram, Hagar, and most of all, God; but she is harsh, and this relationship is
cut-off as Hagar leaves, to fend for herself (vs. 6).
The main problem
is still Abram and Sarai’s infertility, but it has been complicated by their
sin of doubting God, trying to solve the problem through sinful adultery,
resulting in sinful jealousy and wrath in Sarai’s heart and actions. It’s a messy knot because they sinful
responded to the principle problem. God had promised a solution, but in their
impatience and lack of faith they sinned, and rather than repent sinned some
more.
Just like Abram
and Sarai complicated their situation by sin, we have done so in our own lives
at times, and will counsel others who have done the same. It is vital that we take the time when
counseling to assess the different types of problems (presentation,
performance, preconditioning, and complicating) involved, as there is usually
more than one problem happening. With
wisdom, and the help of the Holy Spirit, we can unravel the knots sin creates
and aid our counselees with God’s Word to restore their relationships with God,
and others.
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