This past Sunday we finished our SERMON SERIES "Pitfall." We took a look at what the Bible says about conflict and how we can learn to navigate through it in a healthy way!!. We learned that God has a specific strategy when it comes to resolving conflict and we uncovered steps #2 & #3. If you missed this past Sunday or any other, you can listen on-line at http://www.wyandottefamily.com/listen.html or you can listen on iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/wyandotte-family-church/id478735158?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D4.
Conflict...who likes it? Who looks for it? Who wakes up and gets excited to have friction? Yet, conflict is a part of every relationship. When one conflict gets resolved another seems to pop up. I know God's strategy isn't easy to follow yet know that His ways work. Taking the easy route doesn't produce the best fruit. Doing the hard things often produces the fruit we want.
As we move on from the Pitfall series and onto Love to the 4th power I encourage you to not run from conflict. We can stuff, withdraw, ignore or even run away but that will never solve the root issue. Wherever we go, there we are. I pray that we will be a people who learn to be mature and refuse to settle. I pray that we don't take the easy route but choose the hard one. I pray that we value relationships over being right or proving a point. I pray that we see relationships restored, strengthened and healed.
Lets continue to work on ourselves, our motives, our attitudes and our love. If we all made that commitment, we would see our community, families and job relationships strengthened.
This past Sunday we continued our NEW SERMON SERIES "Pitfall." We took a look at what the Bible says about conflict and how we can learn to navigate through it in a healthy way!!. We learned that God has a specific strategy when it comes to resolving conflict and we uncovered part 1. If you missed it you can listen on-line at http://www.wyandottefamily.com/listen.html or you can listen on iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/wyandotte-family-church/id478735158?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D4.
So, where you surprised by what God's first step or part was? (Matthew 18:15). Most likely you were not surprised at all. That is the amazing reality about truth...we often know it but don't like to live by it. Going privately and talking to the other person to resolve the conflict can be very difficult. Yet, it's worth it!!
I really encourage you to listen to the full message if you haven't yet. God's word is full of so many wonderful truths that are powerful.
Here's the challenge from the message: The facebook challenge!! For the next 21 days do not say anything negative about anyone else on your posts. Don't complain, criticize or belittle any person, company, sports team etc. If you truly have a problem with a co-worker, boss or friend, set up a time to talk with them over coffee or dinner. Remember, before we do, let's take time to examine our own heart, motive and role in the matter.
It's a tough challenge but those who are willing to do hard things, enjoy the greatest rewards!!
This past Sunday we started our NEW SERMON SERIES "Pitfall." This entire month we are going to look at what the BIble says about conflict and how we can learn to navigate through it in a healthy way!!. For part 1 we set the stage for the rest of the series as we talked about developing the right goal when it comes to conflict. If you missed it you can listen on-line at http://www.wyandottefamily.com/listen.html or you can listen on iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/wyandotte-family-church/id478735158?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D4.
As a full time pastor for 12 1/2 years I have been in a lot of conflict and I have seen a lot of conflict. I've witnessed the pitfall of divorce and breakdown of famiy units. I've witnessed the pitfall of church disunity and not being able to work through issues. I've witnessed the pitfalls of broken friendships and hurtful misunderstandings.
Conflict abounds in every relationship no matter how spiritual or mature we are. We will encounter conflict. The goal of every person shouldn't be simply to be heard, to be right or to prove others wrong. The goal isn't to live a conflict free life. When that is our goal, we have a tendancy to stuff, ignore or run from conflict. The highest goal is for our relationships to be whole. If that is our highest goal then we will not run from conflict but be willing to work things out.
I'm truly pumped for the next 3 weeks as we look at God's strategy for dealing with conflict. This truly has potential to transform our relationships and see God restore the fractured ones.
May we be willing to take an authentic look at how we handle conflict and humble enough to follow the designer of the universe and His strategy.
