Handling Conflict

By Jeff Curtis

In Acts 15 we read of how the first century church dealt with controversy. We read in this text of the elders and the church came together with the apostles (granted we don’t have apostles today), to discuss the issue. The problem of those going along behind Paul on his first missionary journey imposing upon the Gentile Christians circumcision. That they must be keeping one of the acts of faith in the Old Testament.

In Acts 15, we see how the church handled the issue and see the end result in the letter that was delivered by the hand of Paul.

Today, the way some “handle” conflict is to ignore it, maybe even denying that there is any conflict. Counselors call this “the withdrawal approach” and say that a person who uses this approach has little or no respect for himself or the one with whom they have a conflict. This approach seldom if ever, resolves an issue. When the false teachers came from Jerusalem (Acts 15:1), Paul and Barnabas didn’t just ignore the problem, hoping it would go away. Rather, they dealt with it (15:2). Controversy in a congregation must be dealt with sooner or later; and it’s much easier to deal with it sooner than later.

Some individuals take an extreme “withdrawal” approach to conflict, withdrawing themselves permanently from the congregations where problems exist. We find no indication that anyone in the Antioch congregation said, “If those church folks are to fuss and fight, I’m leaving!” Before we can help deal with controversy in a congregation, some of us need to first deal with our own attitudes toward controversy. Most of us don’t like trouble, but when it shows up in our congregation, we need to help resolve it, not run from it.

Believe it or not, but good can come from controversy (Romans 8:28); if we maintain positive attitudes and handle the matter in the right way. Controversy can bring into the open problems that should have been dealt with long ago. Controversy may also force us to restudy the issues, and bring us closer to an understanding of the will of God. Controversy may force us to work on relationships that we have neglected. Acts 15:30-35, tell of the positive results from the proper handling of the controversy: (1) There was rejoicing (v.30); (2) God’s Word continued to be preached (v.32); (3) Relationships between the Jews and the Gentiles were strengthened (v.33).

Meditate on this:

Psalm 16:7-8

 ⁷ I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel; my heart also instructs me in the night seasons. ⁸ I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.

Pray for Those “in Authority”

By Jeff Curtis

1Timothy 2:1-2 is a key verse regarding a Christian’s attitude toward civil government. Paul writes; “Therefore I exhort first of all those supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, ² for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” We should keep in mind that, the reigning emperor was Nero, whose vanity, cruelty and hostility to the Christian faith were widely known. Even so, Paul said to pray for him. Someone has said, “If you cannot respect the person, at least respect the position.”

Wherever we live, we should pray for whoever is serving as the head of authority. We should pray for his/her health. We should pray for him / her to have clearness of mind and make good decisions. We should pray that he / she will be more concerned about the country than their political ambitions. If they are a good leader, we can thank God for that. If they are less than they should be, we can pray that they will improve. Above all, we should pray for their salvation.

Paul also said in verse 2 that we should pray, “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” Why is it important that we “lead a quiet and peaceable life?” Some may say that’s a strange question. Surely everyone wants a quiet and peaceable life. Paul likely had in mind a more serious purpose than just giving us the opportunity to enjoy life. The verses immediately following focus on God’s desire that all be saved (1Timothy 2:3-4). When the world is at peace, the church can meet without fear of persecution. When the world is at peace, we can talk freely to our neighbors and friends about the Lord. When the world is at peace, we can boldly preach the gospel and spread the news about Jesus Christ. Yes, we should pray for a “quiet and peaceable life,” not only for ourselves but also for our world.

Meditate on this:

Ephesians 2:10    

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.