18 Nov 2011
Don’t avoid right conflict, but step out of the fight to find real peace
I can see how easily I can get drawn into a fight. I am learning the difference between healthy conflict and being drawn into a fight.
A fight is about me feeling justified, about me asserting my view above someone elses.
My dad used to say that you never change someones opinion by exerting a stronger opinion and he’s right.
Jesus didn’t back off conflict. He was happy to plait a whip, but he didn’t get into a fight.
I was unpacking the situation I find myself in currently with a friend and mentor. At the end of the conversation he gave me a bible verse:
Galatians 6:14,17 (MSG)
For my part, I am going to boast about nothing but the Cross of our Master, Jesus Christ. Because of that Cross, I have been crucified in relation to the world, set free from the stifling atmosphere of pleasing others and fitting into the little patterns that they dictate. Can’t you see the central issue in all this? It is not what you and I do—submit to circumcision, reject circumcision. It is what God is doing, and he is creating something totally new, a free life! All who walk by this standard are the true Israel of God—his chosen people. Peace and mercy on them! [17] Quite frankly, I don’t want to be bothered anymore by these disputes. I have far more important things to do—the serious living of this faith. I bear in my body scars from my service to Jesus.
I love the picture Paul paints of keeping the main thing, the main thing.
I know I can so easily get diverted into worrying about the wrong things.
When I remember that following Jesus is what I am called to, then somehow the fights are less of a problem.
I keep quoting Mother Theresa, but thats because her words seem to speak to me:
Keep giving Jesus to your people, not by words, but by your example, by your being in love with Jesus, by radiating holiness and spreading his fragrance of love everywhere you go. Just keep the joy of Jesus as your strength. Be happy and at peace.
I have a way to go before I can truly say the joy of Jesus is my strength, but I do know that stepping out of the fights that divert me is a good start!