A Better Mousetrap: A Resolution to Simplify Problems

Recently I was thinking beyond the solutions of life and attempting to drill down to the problems themselves:

Should I spend my time and energy by searching for a better solution and building a better mousetrap? Sometimes that is needed, and hopefully the end result is simpler. But maybe I should forget the trap for a moment and focus on the mice themselves. However, the mice may not be the problem at all. I might have a simpler life if I just clean up the crumbs that are attracting the mice. 

You get the idea. A better mousetrap might be to simply eliminate the need for a mousetrap altogether.

That’s going to be one of my resolutions (re-solutions) this year—to consider if I can eliminate the need for solutions before trying to come up with them. You may have heard the anonymous quote, “Simplify the Problem; Don’t Complicate the Solution.”  Mathematicians and software developers constantly use this line of thinking, but we can adapt it in our personal lives and ministries as well. Here are a few questions to ask yourself about problems before solving them:

-What really is the problem?

-Who sees this as a problem?

-When does the problem seem to occur?

-Can simpler language be used to define the problem?

-Can the problem be broken down into smaller problems?

-Are there underlying circumstances behind the problem that can be addressed?

Consider Martha’s hostess problems in Luke 10:38-42 (MSG):

But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen. Later, she stepped in, interrupting them. "Master, don't you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand."

The Master said, "Martha, dear Martha, you're fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it's the main course, and won't be taken from her."

Jesus simplified the problem for Martha by telling her that she did not have one.  Though we are not told how Martha reacted, and it may not have been easy for her to reprioritize, it definitely would have made her life easier.  I am certain that as we prayerfully assess and simplify our own problems, we will find that we are holding on to things we should just let go.  Here is a prayer to offer:

Heavenly Father, help me to avoid complex solutions, especially when they might seem impressive; guide me by your Spirit to see more clearly and simply the problems that should be addressed; lead me to quickly release my plans and follow Your plans.

I hope that you find the redesigned Momentum to be more concise and easier to use.  You will also see the ODC website changing over the next three months in an effort to provide additional tools, features, and information to resource church health.

Happy New Year!

Eric Schroeter