Yesterday we
began examining those things which tend to kill our joy. We established that God desires us to have an
abundant, full, and overflowing life (John 10:10). We also examined the fact that so often we
miss out on the life that God has called us to.
If there is a life God intends for us to have and we so often miss it,
then why? Well, we miss thanks to the
joy killers. Having looked at the first
of these joy killers, “the myth of control,” let us turn our attention to the
second joy killer: The Reality of Conflict.
No one
enjoys conflict (well, maybe a few people do).
In order to handle conflict properly, we must recognize what scripture
teaches about conflict. Romans 12:18
tells us, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” Clearly, as much as we can control, we are to
make every effort to live at peace with others.
Sadly, at times conflict comes and there is nothing that we can do about
it. If this occurs, scripture provides
some guidance. Matthew 5:23-24 is
speaking specifically about worship but provides a general principle
nonetheless, “So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember
that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the
altar and go. First be reconciled to
your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” Note that the passage does not say if you
have something against someone, it says if someone has something against you,
then go be reconciled.
Time and
experience will teach you that not all circumstances will work out as you
desire. However, we can do our best to
follow the mandates of scripture and then leave the rest to God. Just remember the call of 1 Peter 5:6-7, “Humble
yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time
he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” Walk humbly, give people the benefit of the
doubt, trust the Lord, and rest in Him.
Conflict is sure to come, but it does not have to be a joy killer.
No comments:
Post a Comment