Heed

Arguments. Snits. Spats. Everybody has had them. Most of them are petty little infusions of momentary fits of self-righteousness and hurt pride, but we get over them quickly and all is well.

And then again...sometimes not. Sometimes they flare up from a small spark into a steaming hot burning ember that soon gets fanned into a flame of hatred and unforgiveness.

This is why we are to have nothing to do with any of it. We cannot hide behind the excuse of "Everybody has them." While there is a chance you will, it doesn't mean you should.

In fact...you shouldn't.

Some of the most argumentative people I have ever known are Christians. Do you know what the favorite point of contention is? The Word of God! Get two good Christian people sitting down to discuss opposing points of a biblical doctrine or passage and look out! Check out some popular Christian message boards. You will quickly see what I mean.

This is not God's best for us. It never has been, never will be.

Proverbs 28:25 - "He who is of a greedy spirit stirs up strife, but he who puts his trust in the Lord shall be enriched and blessed."

Isaiah 4:4 - "Yet let no man strive, neither let any man reprove [another--do not waste your time in mutual recriminations]." Argumentativeness is a sign of the carnal desire to have your way and speak your say. Selfish pride.

1 Cor. 3:3 - "For ye are yet carnal: for whereas [there is] among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?"

Php.2:3 - "[Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves." The answer to everything from strong friendships to strong marriages.

It's James however, who doesn't pull any punches here:

James 3:14-16 - "But if you have bitter jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry, selfish ambition) in your hearts, do not pride yourselves on it and thus be in defiance of and false to the Truth. (15) This [superficial] wisdom is not such as comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual (animal), even devilish (demoniacal). (16) For wherever there is jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry and selfish ambition), there will also be confusion (unrest, disharmony, rebellion) and all sorts of evil and vile practices."

Anytime we see practices of man warned against in the Word and attached to demonic activity we need to take serious heed.

This means that in the midst of those so-called "heated discussions" there is a great injustice to God and man being performed.

Whenever I have injected myself into that mixture I have become nauseous. I have learned to spot it quickly and to remove myself.

There is a way to share with, and there is a way to "share at". No one, from the base to the blood bought, likes to be "shared at".

Will we get our sensitive tootsies stepped on once in a while? Get our shorts bunched up over something? Absolutely. However, keep in mind that it puts God's glory at risk.

Ask yourself today...who are you intending to glorify with your actions? You, or God?

Then ask yourself who deserves the glory? You? Or God?

'Nuff said?

All glory to God today! Less of me and more of You Lord! Let Your Word only proceed from my lips! Allow me to be satisfied with Your response and not inject my selfish need to be elevated in any pompous knowledge and wisdom.

When we do that, we are most definitely...

...Keepin' it Real!

Pastor Kevin <><

www.reallifect.com