“Strife”

Proverbs 6:16-19

Strife is defined as vigorous or bitter conflict, discord; struggle; battle; disagreement; disunity.

The bible warns against strife and reproves those who cause it. Strife is always accompanied by pride and an unteachable spirit. Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. When someone refuses to consider another viewpoint and demands his or her own way, strife results. Someone bent on strife will not allow compromise, negotiation, or humility. Strife alienates friends, divides families, and destroys churches. In 2 Timothy 2:23-25 it’s says, “Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.” The herdsmen of Abram and Lot strove with each other. Isaac faced strife from the residents of Gerar over drinking water. Strife among the Israelites led to Korah’s rebellion and to the Israelites’ wish to die in the wilderness. Such strife always leads to trouble and requires the wisdom of godly peacemakers to assuage. God hates strife in His church for several reasons: (1) Strife destroys unity. Unity based on the truth of God is so important to Jesus that, in His longest recorded prayer, He asked the Father that His followers would “be one as you and I are one.” (2) Strife is the opposite of love. (3) Strife confuses the watching world. Jesus instructed His disciples to love each other as He has loved them so that the world will know that they belong to Him. (4) Strife alienates baby Christians. (5) Strife is a sign of worldliness and carnality. “You are still of the flesh,” Paul told one church. “For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?” (6) Strife distracts us from our ultimate purpose of making disciples. Jesus left us with one clear objective, make disciples of every nation.

I come by this morning to let you know we must be about our Father’s business at all times. He is not looking for part time disciples. Do not allow Satan to keep you tangled in your own petty disagreements, disappointments, and disputes so that you limit your impact on the lost world. We must be a light in the darkness of this world. We were created to make a difference and lead souls to Christ. Be bless and I love you!!! JE