July 10, 2018 THERE MUST BE FACTIONS
1 Corinthians 11:19 “For there must also be factions among you, so that those who are approved may become evident among you.”
This verse gives us a view of factions and disputes that is different from the norm and it shows how God is at work even in the midst of conflict. God certainly knows, and we know, that factions, controversy, and disagreements are as sure to come as sure as the sun rises in the east. All too often, the relational conflicts we experience result in a permanent breakdown of the relationship that often results is a ‘parting of the ways.’ Families have been broken, churches have split, companies have failed, and nations have fought wars all because conflict was not dealt with or not resolved. However, factions, or conflicts, present a perfect opportunity for the wisdom and the love of God to be expressed by one that is walking in the ways of the Lord. Being ‘approved’ by God implies that one is walking or living in the ways of the Lord and that the wisdom and grace of God is evident in that person’s life. Even in the church, there will be disagreements and conflict, but because Jesus is the head of the church, He is able to work all things for good and is able to bring peace where there is conflict. Of course, those who make up the church should not be self-serving, but have a desire for the body to experience body life just as God desires and as His word instructs. The point is, that we will face disagreements, but when the disagreements are dealt with according to the Lord, they can actually serve as means of deepening and strengthening the relationships of the members because the resolutions are found in the Lord. A key ingredient of resolving conflict is that of having a mindset of what is best for others and what will bless others. The mindset of getting what I want is sure to lead to disagreement and conflict, while the mindset of blessing others and expressing the grace of God is sure to lead to peace. It must be said that conflict can be resolved only when all parties want resolution and all are willing to let the Lord have His way. However, there are times when one, or a group of people, demand their way and refuse to seek how the Lord would resolve the conflict. In such cases, the ones who represent the Lord in an acceptable manner can and will experience the peace and grace of the Lord because they responded in a way that pleased Him.
1 Corinthians 1:10 “ Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all think the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgement.”
Blessings,
Buddy
1 Corinthians 11:19 “For there must also be factions among you, so that those who are approved may become evident among you.”
This verse gives us a view of factions and disputes that is different from the norm and it shows how God is at work even in the midst of conflict. God certainly knows, and we know, that factions, controversy, and disagreements are as sure to come as sure as the sun rises in the east. All too often, the relational conflicts we experience result in a permanent breakdown of the relationship that often results is a ‘parting of the ways.’ Families have been broken, churches have split, companies have failed, and nations have fought wars all because conflict was not dealt with or not resolved. However, factions, or conflicts, present a perfect opportunity for the wisdom and the love of God to be expressed by one that is walking in the ways of the Lord. Being ‘approved’ by God implies that one is walking or living in the ways of the Lord and that the wisdom and grace of God is evident in that person’s life. Even in the church, there will be disagreements and conflict, but because Jesus is the head of the church, He is able to work all things for good and is able to bring peace where there is conflict. Of course, those who make up the church should not be self-serving, but have a desire for the body to experience body life just as God desires and as His word instructs. The point is, that we will face disagreements, but when the disagreements are dealt with according to the Lord, they can actually serve as means of deepening and strengthening the relationships of the members because the resolutions are found in the Lord. A key ingredient of resolving conflict is that of having a mindset of what is best for others and what will bless others. The mindset of getting what I want is sure to lead to disagreement and conflict, while the mindset of blessing others and expressing the grace of God is sure to lead to peace. It must be said that conflict can be resolved only when all parties want resolution and all are willing to let the Lord have His way. However, there are times when one, or a group of people, demand their way and refuse to seek how the Lord would resolve the conflict. In such cases, the ones who represent the Lord in an acceptable manner can and will experience the peace and grace of the Lord because they responded in a way that pleased Him.
1 Corinthians 1:10 “ Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all think the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgement.”
Blessings,
Buddy
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