The Christian Center

Throughout the centuries, men have been engaged in conflicts, wars and fighting one with another. Everyone would agree that peace and life, brought without the heartache, feuding and fighting, is much better. Therefore, man strives to accomplish this task using a variety of methods and techniques; only to discover how vain their efforts have been. It’s like pouring water into a bucket with holes. No matter how much effort is applied, the results are always less than desirable and in need of more attention.

When Adam violated the laws of blessing by transgressing the words of God and eating from the tree of knowledge, everything began its downward spiral. Adam immediately blamed God for giving him Eve (that woman), Cain slew Abel; and the list goes on and on. Here we are some six thousand years later, and man is still dealing with the same problem; which is trying to live with others apart from conflict.

Proverbs 13:10 gives more insight to the issue of conflict. It says;

“Only by pride cometh contention: The only effect of pride is fighting” (BBE)

When Adam fell, the whole human race was introduced to the works and effects of selfishness. Pride began to release its venomous toxins into the heart of man. Although there have been moments of peace, it’s clear men have spent their lives at war with one another.

James 4:1-2 AMP addresses this very issue and points out the problem that causes conflicts among men.

“WHAT LEADS to strife (discord and feuds) and how do conflicts (quarrels and fightings) originate among you? Do they not arise from your sensual desires that are ever warring in your bodily members? You are jealous and covet [what others have] and your desires go unfulfilled; [so] you become murderers. [To hate is to murder as far as your hearts are concerned.] You burn with envy and anger and are not able to obtain [the gratification, the contentment, and the happiness that you seek], so you fight and war. You do not have, because you do not ask.”

James goes on to provide some answers to our dilemma. James 4:6-7 says;

“He gives us more and more grace (power of the Holy Spirit, to meet this evil tendency and all others fully). That is why He says, God sets Himself against the proud and haughty, but gives grace [continually] to the lowly (those who are humble enough to receive it). So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you.” AMP

Here we see three important things needed to win the battle of conflict and selfishness. Number one is “humility” which invites grace, number two is “submission to God” and number three is “standing firm against the devil”. Humility and submission go hand in hand, because you cannot humble yourself without submitting to the one who’s able to help. If Adam would have followed these simple steps, mankind would have been spared from heartache and bloodshed. If we follow these simple instructions, our lives will forever change. Even though life will provide ample opportunities to face conflict, we can provide answers and not become a part of the problem.

Weekly Bread