personality conflict
I welcome and even desire an opportunity to problem solve a conflict between another Christian and myself in this new church I've become a part of. Depending on how the offended party deals with it, I'll get to see the metal and spiritual skills of the people I'm getting to know here , and gain more meaningful and closer relationships with them.
I've gone far too long now being around other believers who are so afraid of conflict that they avoid it at all costs and render my relationship with them more shallow than I'd like it to be. Having to confront head on and work through them together, is the stuff of real genuine Christian growth and maturity. People avoid confrontations I believe because they are conditioned by the world we live in, to think of them as these exhibitions of emotional explosion and upheavals of painful abrasive tones, and hurt. Truly we've had it modeled to us that way.
In Christ the believer learns to deal with misunderstandings and butting heads a new way. To approach the conflict in love and seeking the best interest of the other party, not merely defense of one's self. Scripture teaches us to peacefully interact with one another in love, to "esteem one another higher than ourselves." But most importantly we have the privilege as God's children, to come to Him together in prayer having His Spirit lead us to a resolution of our differences.
Iron sharpens iron, and we do ourselves an injustice by ducking the chance to hone our Spiritual edge.
" I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord." (Philippians 4:2)
"Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. (Matthew 5:23,24)
posted by Shiloh | January 20, 2008
1 Comments:
Amen and Amen Mark.
I read this article, your blog post with deep interest.
I have often struggled with the pervading sense sometimes that as christians we have become 'watered down' in our behaviour, modifying it to the worlds standards. You cite a good example here, that we avoid conflicts at all costs.
Ive sometimes said that peace, for the sake of peace, is no peace at all. You eloquently and precisely have hit on one of my major concerns, which ushers in then an economized eucenumical brand of love. It bothers me greatly that under the banner of Christianity, we encompass a feel good love where boundaries are smudged and the new wave of love, for the sake of feeling good and pleasantries has overshadowed the Love of Christ. As you say, we as believers in Jesus Christ, have the amazing priviledge of coming together in prayer, speaking the truth with the motive of Love - and its His Spirit that leads us into resolution, iron, sharpening iron.
Your message here, is powerful and well needed to hear.
God bless you :)
I encourage you, to keep writing. You have some very important things to say identifying whom we are, in Christ Jesus and look forward to reading more of your articles.
eli.
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