Session 5: Recording 489A, “We Cannot Solve a Problem at the Level of the Problem”

The Recording

This recording is one of two used as source material for Chapter 4, “We Cannot Solve a Problem at the Level of the Problem,” in Seek Ye First. The recording was posted through June 12, 2021, and is no longer available on this website.  If you subscribe to the Joel Goldsmith Streaming Service, you can listen to it there. To purchase this recording or the transcript from The Infinite Way Office, click/tap here.

Optional Study Suggestions

To download or print these study suggestions, click/tap here.

Review the Lesson

“We cannot solve a problem at the level of the problem.”  That tells us what not to do.  But what ARE we to do?  How DO we approach problems?  That is what Joel teaches in this class.

• When a problem confronts us—either our own or that of someone else—what is the first thing that Joel says we must do?
• What are some of the ways that a solution might come as a result of taking that action?
• As always, Joel uses Bible quotations to amplify his teaching. Here are some of the quotations that he uses in this lesson.  How do they fit in with the idea of not trying to solve a problem at the level of the problem?
  • “My kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36)
  • “Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)
  • “Speak, Lord, Thy servant heareth.” (1 Samuel 3:10)
  • “My peace give I unto you, not as the world giveth.” (John 14:27)
  • “Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, what ye shall drink.” (Matthew 6:25)
  • “Seek ye first the kingdom of God.” (Matthew 6:33)
  • “I know thee who thou art, the holy one of Israel.” (Luke 4:34)
  • “Thou art the Christ, Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16)
  • “I, if I be lifted up, will raise all men unto me.” (John 12:32)
• What other Scripture references come to you that capture some aspect of the spirit of this lesson? Certainly, you can just sit and try to think of them.  Or you can experiment with sitting quietly and patiently, listening for them.  You might be surprised at what will bubble up from within.
• Joel says that we can apply this lesson in our world work. How do we do that, and why?
• Joel talks about what it means to live the spiritual life, saying that it is a life of giving, not getting. What did he mean?
• In the last part of the class, Joel gives a wonderful lesson on the Christ. What does he mean when he speaks of the Christ within you?  What is the function of that Christ?  (In this regard, you might want to review the Question and Answer from 7/4/20, which elaborates beautifully on that theme.)   

Practice!

Joel concludes the class by saying that we must put this lesson into PRACTICE.  One way to do this is to quietly reflect on our life at the present time.

• Are there problems or issues in my life that I am trying to solve? (And/or, have others come to me for help with their problems or issues?)
• Take each problem or issue and ask, “How am I addressing this problem? Am I trying to solve it on the level of the problem?”  (Really ponder the question.  You can feel free to be completely honest because this is only an inquiry within yourself to help raise your consciousness with respect to problems.)
• If I am trying to solve the problem on the level of the problem, how can I shift gears and follow the direction that Joel gives in this class?