Conflict Central
Daily Reflections, Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Today's Scripture: Matthew 18:15
A longtime church member met the new pastor in his study. The man welcomes the pastor and then tells him, “I’m part of the B group.” “The B group? What’s the B group?” asks the pastor. “Well,” the man said, “I be here before you came, and I’ll be here after you leave.”
Unfortunately, the above “funny” story isn’t so funny anymore as more and more pastors go from church to church because of church problems. I preached at our Dayspring Bible College chapel on conflict in the church. I set up two different sets of problems that had occurred in fictional churches and divided the students into three groups to problem solve.
They came up with some solutions that we discussed and I showed them the pros and cons. Someday, these students will go out and experience firsthand some of these conflicts. I want them to be prepared. It won’t always be easy, but it will help if they receive practical training now.
If conflict threatens your church, follow biblical principles. Primarily: 1. Confront your brother in Christ privately (Matthew 18:15) and 2. Entreat him as a father (1 Timothy 5:1). Be careful of excessive fault-finding; you probably have some of those same faults in your own life (Galatians 6:1). You will have much better success if you follow God’s plan. He desires unity for His people.
Today's Quote: In conflict, be fair and generous. —Tao Te Ching
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- Title: "Conflict Central"
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