The first level of a problem usually begins as a feeling accompanied by a thought. We think something doesn’t seem to be right. We’re not certain what is amiss, but we feel there is something going on.
Following this thoughtful feeling, if we haven’t concluded what may be amiss, we voice our concern to a family member or someone we consider a close relations
This is the first level of a problem designated the presentation level. That is to say we present thoughts, feelings or facts to ourselves and then to others hopefully for confirmation. This is also the first step to naming the problem. Remember we have to identify the problem before we can ascertain a solution.
Regardless of the simplicity or complexity of any problem, we are prone to follow three distinct actions – usually in the following order – we think something, we say something then we do something.
These three steps might be performed correctly or incorrectly depending on what we conclude the problem(s) to be and to whom we attribute them. This is the performance level of a problem.
The third level has more depth than levels one and two in that it is deeply internal. Some call this the root level of a problem. This is not new terminology, but we see the root level as more complex than others see it and define it. Level three we describe as the preconditioning level.
The preconditioning level speaks to the following issue: What is on the inside of you makes a difference as to what you hear and how you process what you hear.
Before proceeding, allow me to illustrate this principle: As you absorb what I am writing you are processing it through what you already know regarding this subject – or think you know about what I am trying to convey. What is already on the inside of you makes a difference in what you hear and determines what you will conclude – rightly or wrongly.
However, by doing so, you run the risk of not understanding me and not fully digesting what I am trying to convey. If this is the case I pray you will allow me to complete this lesson then decide if I am presenting you with a workable point of view you have not considered.
We go again to the fact the Number One reason people come to New Hope is that they have a break down in communication.
The sage retorted, “It is funny how two people hear the same thing differently.” To this the realist added, “Funny peculiar not funny ha-ha.”
It has been said communication is a two-way street – speaking and listening. That sounds like a 50/50 equation. It has also been pointed out God created us with one mouth and two ears. Does that imply anything?
In Matthew 11:15 Jesus said, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.”
As James succinctly admonishes readers on this subject he also posts a warning as recorded in James 1:19-20: “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”
To profit from these three levels of problems test what is on the inside of you by listening to what others are saying to you and compare both with what God’s Word is saying on the subject.
Next time:
Things People Do to Solve Problems That Do Not Work and Why They Do Not Work
