STRIFE
Defined
and Described: “Strife”
is defined by Webster “as act of
striving or vying with another; contention, competition; A quarrel, struggle
conflict, To strive as in a good effort, try very hard, in a negative or
fleshly sense to struggle for superiority, to fight.
Strife is
a form of division that is characterized by contentions and quarreling which
have the tendency to reveal hard lines of separation between individuals. Often
we hear of strife being present in a local church. The fact that strife is one
of the works of the flesh is a reminder of the need for local churches to be
washed with the washing of water by the Word. Too frequently, in many local
churches, some individuals have a reputation of causing strife. It seems that
some people feel the need to constantly be involved in controversy. Strife is
the type of fleshly work that usually involves numerous individuals in some
form of ongoing conflict.
“Thou
shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou
shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues” (Psa. 31: 20).
It is
usually ignited by controversial remarks made by someone often referred to as
an instigator. All individuals who become involved in strife need to experience
the power of the Spirit of God to produce the fruit of the Spirit. Peace is
usually produced when a person takes time to think before answering or taking
action concerning controversial remarks.
“A
wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife”
(Prov. 15:18).
Strife is
often a progression from other fleshly manifestations. It is constantly the
result of two or more individuals insisting on having their own way. Some
people specialize in sowing the seeds of strife through whispering and
indulging in secretive conversations. Sometimes the chief instigator of strife
will pretend to be the most spiritual member in the local church. This is
natural since Satan himself is a pretender. The talebearer does not care
whether an incident that they are spreading is true or not—their desire is to
promote controversy. Gossip and rumors lead to strife and strife causes fuel to
be added to the coals of contention and division.
“A froward
man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends “(Prov. 16:28).
“Where no
wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife
ceaseth. As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious
man to kindle strife” (Prov. 26:20, 21).
A very
prominent sign of carnality is the presence of strife. As Paul spoke to the
Corinthians about being carnal, one of the elements he mentioned was the
apparent strife within the local church at Corinth. The works of the flesh are
destructive and they consume all who yield to their influence. A Christian who lets
himself become involved in situations of strife will eventually lose his/her
spirituality.
“For ye
are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and
divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” (1 Cor. 3:3).
”Let us
walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in
chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying” (Rom. 13:13).
Christians
who observe the scriptural principle of putting others first and esteeming them
above themselves will avoid being instruments of strife. Those who are filled
with the Spirit of Christ will speak in a manner that will disarm those who
desire to cause strife. Christians have to be diligent, and make sure Satan is
not able to get them involved in situations that could lead to strife among the
members of their local congregations. Paul warned the Philippians about strife:
“Let nothing be done through strife or
vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than
themselves” (Phil. 2:3).
Then he
instructed Timothy on the need to beware of the dangers of strife and the need
to exhort members to avoid situations that could lead to divisions:
“If any
man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our
Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is
proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words,
whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings” (1 Tim 6:3, 4).
While it
is expected that the world would be dominated by strife, it is not acceptable
for the Body of Christ to be plagued by divisions and unrest. Members cannot
mature to the fullness of the measure of the stature of Christ if they allow
strife to abide among them. Satan knows that if he can cause strife among the
members of the Church, he can prevent the members from reaching perfection.
Bitterness does not have any place among the children of God. Bitterness will
produce strife in the heart where love should abide in the inner man.
“But if ye
have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against
the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual,
devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil
work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle,
and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality,
and without hypocrisy” (James 3:14-17).
If you have never accepted or if you have fallen away from Jesus Christ here are three steps you need to take to be saved:
You must admit you are a sinner, confess your sin to Jesus, repent (turn from all you know is wrong), ask Jesus to come in your heart, and begin to follow Jesus by reading and obeying his word and go to a bible believing church that teaches his word. And tell someone what Christ Jesus Has Done For You (Rev 12:10)
May God through Christ bless you!
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