Are you the problem or the solution?

We often face situations where it’s easy to point fingers blaming others, the system, or even the devil for what’s wrong. But sometimes, the issue isn’t around us; it’s within us. Ask yourself  in your life, relationships, workplace, and even your spiritual journey ; are you more often contributing to the problem, or are you actively working toward the solution?

It’s always easier to identify what others are doing wrong. But the real spiritual work begins when we turn the spotlight on ourselves.

Seeing the Real Problem

And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? 4 How can you think of saying to your friend] ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye. Matthew 7:3-5 

Jesus wasn’t just talking about eyesight, He was talking about insight. Sometimes, our frustration with others is really a reflection of something God wants to correct within us. Sometimes we are the problem. It can be our attitude, lack of faith, or unwillingness to change. These things can block God’s blessings. But through Christ, we can also become the solution.

Years ago, during my hour-long commute home from work, I used to listen to a Christian talk show about marriage counseling. Callers would always phone in talking about how their spouse was the problem and how they (the spouse) did everything wrong.

The show host had a simple response every time: “The only way you can change someone else is to change yourself first.” That stuck with me. Because when you change yourself, your perspective shifts and sometimes, you realize the situation wasn’t 100% the other person. 

Before we ask God to fix “them,” maybe He’s asking to fix us. The truth is, transformation usually starts from the inside out. When you let God transform you, you shift from problem to purpose. God doesn’t just show us our flaws so we can feel bad , He shows us so He can free us.

But What If the Problem Really Is the Other Person?

Sometimes, you aren’t the problem. You’ve prayed, forgiven, extended grace, and tried to keep the peace but the other person keeps stirring up the storm.Even when the problem is them, God still calls you to be the solution.

 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people. Romans 12:18

That means your responsibility ends where your obedience begins. You can’t control someone else’s heart, but you can control your response. You can choose to reflect God’s character instead of reacting to their chaos.

When you operate in peace, humility, and faith, you remove yourself from being part of the problem and become a walking example of God’s solution.

Become the Solution

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

Renewing your mind means letting God reshape how you think, react, and respond. That’s when you move from being part of the problem to being part of the solution. When we surrender our pride, impatience, or stubbornness, God can use us as instruments of His peace.

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. Philippians 2:13

The next time you catch yourself blaming someone or something for the chaos around you, take a step back and ask, “Lord, am I the problem or the solution you're trying to create?”

You can’t control what others do, but you can control your response. When your response reflects God’s character, you bring His solution into the situation, no matter how crazy it looks.

Before asking God to change your situation, ask Him to change you. God often solves external problems by first transforming the internal person.

Let’s Pray. Dear Heavenly Father, help me to be honest with myself. If I’m part of the problem, reveal it to me and give me the humility to change. Transform my heart and renew my mind so I can become part of Your solution. Use me as a vessel of peace, grace, and wisdom in every situation I face. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.