Be part of the solution

Step 4 of this week’s lesson “Guard Your Actions” is summarized “Seek Positive Results” in the LifeWay Leader Guide. That keys on the first verse in Romans 14:19-23, which says, “19 So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.” (NLT). Eric Taylor calls this altruism, which is an interesting word. Are you altruistic? I suppose being so implies one that for the sake of others is humble, forgoes rights and privileges, not argumentative and peaceful. Hmmm.

94% of pastors think positive results can result from conflict. Control issues are 85% of all sources of conflict in the church. Trey Turner notes “Christians can get embroiled in arguments about who is right and who is wrong just as any one else can.” Can you recall the last time you were involved in a “whose right, whose wrong” argument? How did it end? Based on Romans 14:19, what should you have done? You may be involved in such an argument now. If so, are you wiser and stronger now such that you can apply Romans 14:19 and achieve harmony? You may think it will get better on its own, but in prayer, ask the Holy Spirit to intervene now.