10-22-08SCRIPTURE
"They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches." (Acts 15:39-41)
OBSERVATION
This is juicy stuff. People love to watch a conflict unfold…especially if they are not involved in it. That’s why some of the reality TV shows are so popular. This just happens to be a real life conflict among distinguished, anointed, reputable leaders - Christian leaders that is. And in the Bible. Wow. I would've loved to have been on the scene when this "sharp disagreement" took place. I wonder what tone of voice, intensity of conviction and heart of love was being displayed? Did they resolve their conflict? Were they straight up real with each other? Did they sugar-coat their words? Paul and Baranabas definitely parted ways with their pick of companions.
APPLICATION
How often I've seen this in church life among Christians - leaders, servants - great hearted, well intentioned people who love God and are committed to His calling. Let's face it - tensions and sharp disagreements are real in our relationships and ministries at times. It’s not pretty. It’s messy.
In the passage above, it makes a reference to Paul being commended by brothers to the grace of the Lord and he went on strengthening churches. I'm not sure about what kind of resolve occurred but I do believe that one healthy key to agreeing to disagree, is to be commended by brothers in the Lord, held accountable and blessed by the grace of the Lord.
Couple of thoughts for me this morning:
When I'm in a disagreement with someone, get some accountability to hear God through my mentors. I can get dangerous when I'm in a "sharp disagreement." My tendency is to withdraw and paint the other person as worse than they really are. I start second guessing everything they do and say. I lose trust.
Don't lose sight of the calling and vision. It's easy to get side tracked from moving on into God's purposes when we deal with conflict. Paul moved on to strengthen churches and didn't neglect his assignment.
Maintain a pure, humble, gentle, truthful heart. Without compromising God's conviction, I must work through disagreements with a Christ-like heart.
Understand that the end result does not always mean that we end up with the same type of relationship going forward. Paul says in Romans 12:18 “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Not everyone wants to live at peace with me. So I’ve got to do everything in my power to do what’s right…but understand that the other person may have no interest in peace and reconciliation.
PRAYER
Dear Jesus. Thanks for speaking to me through Your Word. I ask for wisdom to hear Your voice whenever I encounter disagreeing situations. May I recognize that my enemy is not my brother or sister in Christ. Remind me that there is another battle going on and it’s not a battle against people…but a spiritual battle. The spirit of the enemy wants to divide relationships and devour our church. You are Lord of my life and I desire that you be Lord of my conflicts, too!
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1 comment:
Chris-- This is really good insight, appreciate what you are saying much!
Barnabas always amazed me as the one who brought Saul/Paul to the Apostles, and said "He's the real deal". When conflict does happen, I think too it is hard to see the other's perspective-especially in a marriage. Takes great sensitivity and awareness, Like Jesus with the adulterous woman in John 8...who knows what he was writing on the ground, but when he said "He who is without sin, cast the first stone" ...he diffused the conflict, and TOTALLY impacted the woman by his love, acceptance and sensitivity. I want that heart.
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