Believe it or not, every single problem you encounter doesn’t have to be solved. In fact, some problems are better left unsolved. huh?

Just so you know, I’m not talking about doing drugs or being abused. That junk needs to stop.

More like this: Think about the most frustrating problem or issue in your life. I’m talking about stuff like the living room always gets dirty, OR people always come and complain to you about __________, OR your boss/ employees always/never ____________. These are the problems you just shouldn’t solve.

Here’s why: You can’t.

I was listening to Andy Stanley’s Leadership Podcast (highly recommended and free) and he introduced me to the concept of tension.

Some problems can be solved, but for the ones that reoccur with frequency, there is a lot of freedom in saying, “This is one of those problems where we are going to have to have tension.”

Ever feel like you are spinning your wheels trying to deal with an issue over and over.

Tension isn’t always a bad thing. Obviously you don’t want to create an entire atmosphere of tension, but having tension to manage a problem keeps you from constantly trying to solve the unsolvable. Once introduced to the group, it’s easy to say, “There is just going to have to be a bit of tension here.” It may not be ideal and exciting, but it can be useful and productive.

I can be conveniently absent minded about things I don’t like to do. The trash always gets full and taken out on Tuesday. My wife has created a good tension so that I don’t forget to take the can to the curb. The trash problem is unsolvable, it always seems to come back. I tried telling my 2 year old and 2 month old to stop making dirty diapers, but the problem can’t be solved. But it can be managed through healthy tension.

On a more serious note, having an accountability partner to help combat internet porn is an example of healthy tension.

The Scriptures say, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” We may still have to deal with issues, but we don’t have to continually worry about them.

What else? What can you manage through healthy tension?