Proverbs 6:16-19 “There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community”. We are in our final installation of Proverbs 6:16-19; things God finds detestable. The final thing on our list in Proverbs is “a person who stirs up conflict in the community”. Whether it be at work, in a social group, or actually in our neighborhood; we all have known people who seem to thrive on conflict. Anytime there is a problem; these people seem to be in the thick of it to “lend a helping hand”. I sometimes wonder what they think of themselves. I wonder because from time to time I see these people post things like “enough drama”, or “everyone needs to get along”. In reality, they are in the mix stirring things up. It’s as if these people simply have too much time on their hands. We are warned in the New Testament to first, stay away from and second, not to become this kind of person. In 2 Thes 3:6 says “6 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching[a] you received from us”. Paul goes on in the next several verses to explain how he set this example for them by working and doing good while he was with them. He continues in 2 Thes 3:11-13 to say “11 We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. 13 And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good”. SELF EXAMINATION TIME: So again, what should our take home point be today? First…If we know someone who likes to stir up trouble; we need to stay away from that person. We are to stay away from them, because God wants us to stay away from senseless conflict. Second…Because I am convinced that many people who like to stir conflict view themselves as helping; we should make sure we have not become that person. A good rule of thumb is this: If someone starts conflict in your life; the problem is most likely them. However, if most people are starting conflict in your life; the problem is most likely you. Again, we do this by staying clear of senseless conflict, and become busy doing good (see 2 Thes 3:13 above). Doing good is acting and speaking in a way which builds others up. Ask yourself; “who, outside my children or immediate family, have I built up with my words or actions today?” Lets get busy sharing the love of Christ. Have a Blessed Day Everyone!!!! In Christ, Master Tom
Posted on: Fri, 05 Jul 2013 14:43:19 +0000
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