I walked into the room and took a look around. It was a bright, cheerful room, decorated with Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory in mind. There were signs, directions, reminders, and assignments written on the white boards, on posters, and on the screen. Twenty-something fourth graders were busy unpacking their bags, getting seated, and starting their morning routine. I was out of my element.  My venue is a Bible class of adults or an auditorium filled with people.  But a room full of 9 and 10 year olds is intimidating.

That was Friday. I had volunteered with Junior Achievement to teach fourth grade students about entrepreneurship. I had five lessons to present that day. The lesson on solving problems in business stood out to me as applicable not just to starting or maintaining a business, but to life in general.  I pointed that out to the students. The JA guide listed five steps to solve problems.  I am adding a sixth step for you.

1. Clearly define the problem. Be specific in your description. Do not just say, “I have a problem with temptation.” Say, “I am struggling with (insert a specific struggle). I find myself going there repeatedly.”
2. Brainstorm a list of possible solutions. I suggest at least three solutions.
3. Make a list of the risks and rewards of the solutions you came up with. Risks are the negative impacts of the solution. Rewards are the positive results a decisions might have.
4. Weigh each decision (possible solution) to see which has least risks and greatest rewards.
5. Spend time in prayer to God and in the Bible talking to Him and reading texts that have something to say about your struggle. Compare your solution risks to what God’s word has to say. If your solutions are not inline with God’s word go back to step 2.
6. Go with the decision that is first compatible with Godly values and second has the least risk and greatest rewards.

What do you think? What might you add? Where might we be able to use these steps?

-Scott