“It is to a man’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.”
Proverbs 20:3
Have you noticed how conflict tends to attract attention? The scandals, gaffes, missteps, and controversies in others’ lives have an almost magnetic power to draw in the curious eyes and ears of those who want to be on the “inside” of the latest gossip. Perhaps such stories give us the false assurance that we are somehow better than others. Or perhaps they simply serve as a way to “spice up” our mundane lives. Regardless, avoiding strife can be hard to do.
How can we grow in this particular area of wisdom? First, we can remember that our righteousness is not found in us or in our lack of controversy in life. It comes from Jesus Christ alone. So we should avoid flocking to strife as a way to bolster our own sense of self.
Second, we should remember the tasks and responsibilities our loving heavenly Father has put before us, engaging wholeheartedly in them as an act of service to Him. When we find joy in the life the Lord has given us, we are not so quick to insert ourselves into situations that are not our business.
How can we grow in this particular area of wisdom? First, we can remember that our righteousness is not found in us or in our lack of controversy in life. It comes from Jesus Christ alone. So we should avoid flocking to strife as a way to bolster our own sense of self.
Second, we should remember the tasks and responsibilities our loving heavenly Father has put before us, engaging wholeheartedly in them as an act of service to Him. When we find joy in the life the Lord has given us, we are not so quick to insert ourselves into situations that are not our business.
Scripture Focus
1 Timothy 5:1-16
Insight
“What heights of love, what depths of peace,/ When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!/ …Here in the love of Christ I stand.” (Stuart Townend and Keith Getty, 2001)
Bible In A Year
- Jeremiah 23-24
- Psalm 115
- 1 Corinthians 5-6
