Why we deal with the symptoms and not the root cause

Do we tend to deal with the symptom or the root cause?

Often, our systems will want to patch over the visible reactions to a dilemma.

Without the nuance of a relationship or an intimate knowledge of a situation, we tend to lean towards the surface responses, not the deeper causes behind them.

For example, we run training events about racism and discrimination, not a lack of empathy or understanding.

We run courses on managing anger, not addressing a sense of fear or a feeling of lacking control.

We may touch on the issue of our group/ministry/church not growing, but overlook the root cause of us being unwelcoming or not inviting others.

Ultimately, talking about the symptoms is easier.

But, wrestling with the root cause takes time and honestly.

Unfortunately, most institutions aren’t prepared to commit the time or provide the space to deal with the root cause behind the symptoms bubbling to the surface.