Brothers In Conflict

Ever hear of two Christians differing so sharply that they would split
up a successful team over an opinion about another Christian?  Paul
and Barnabas did just that over the risk of taking John Mark on their
second missionary journey.  Paul had a right to be cautious because
John Mark had deserted them on the first journey and there was much at
stake for the next journey.  Barnabas argued to give John Mark a
second chance but to no avail. The team split, agreeing to disagree,
and took different partners into different directions.  Thankfully,
God was glorified in SPITE of the conflict.
 
One might think that splits and conflicts should occur only for the
important issues like doctrinal integrity, but in reality conflicts
happen in the church all the time over even less important things.
 
Have you ever disagreed with or been hurt by someone in your church?
If you haven't, then perhaps you are not as involved in ministry as
you ought to be.  Conflict is inevitible where two or more are
gathered for ministry.
 
In the church, I have had my toes stepped on. And I have even been
mowed down a time or two.  However, I have found that most of the
people who offended or hurt me in some way did not intend to do so.
In fact, many times these people were unaware that they had done so.
I also discovered that other people's stresses and pressures of life
have a way of spilling on people like you and me. But we can more
easily administer the healing power of forgiveness when we realize
that most people are not out to intentionally cause us offense.
 
I know that some people will intentionally mistreat us (even in the
church) but the Bible has something to say about this in Luke 6:27-28
[NIV].  "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to
those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who
mistreat you."
 
Imagine what your church might be like if people didn't get upset over
petty things.  Now imagine what your church (and your witness) might
be like if you didn't get upset over similarly petty things.
 
Too many of us harbor bitter feelings for others in our church because
someone ignored us; someone took our seat that we have occupied for
years; someone forgot to mention us as one of the helpers in the
Christmas drama.  We lick our wounds and use them as weapons against
others.  We must choose to lose those weapons of divisiveness, and
give up the right to feel wronged.
 
If only our conflicts resulted in multiplied ministry instead of
mutilated ministers! Paul and Barnabas still had the common ground of
working for God's glory. It is only because they kept this in sight
that their conflict yielded a better harvest.  The next time conflict
arises, may we keep God's glory well in view.