Conflict
There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, But the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12:18)
My neighbor Drew is a really unique guy. His sense of humor is that of a sarcastic 13-year old, and at the same time, he spouts off the wisdom of a wise grandmother. God lined up the perfect career for him as the principal of a local middle school.
Our early morning workouts are the perfect time for me to give him financial advice and for him to help me navigate difficult relationships. So he was one of the first people I turned to as I discerned how to handle some conflict I was having with one of my team members.
“Conflict,” he told me, “is like fire. It can be used for such great purposes if handled correctly. It can be used for warmth. It can provide light. It can cook food. But if it is not managed the right way, it can cause death and destruction.”
Yes, conflict can be good if it is used the right way.
Boom. This one hit me hard. So much of my life I have avoided conflict. This strategy seems to work well over the short-term, but like a covered pot of boiling water, it eventually ends up with a mess.
You have spiritual conflict when you question your faith or your beliefs. Use the time as an opportunity to reflect on what you really believe and how you will carry those beliefs into actions. Don’t run away from it. Face it head on.
Conflict in your relationships is unavoidable. When a wedge with your spouse widens, use the opportunity to improve yourself, find out how you can communicate better,learn to be more patient, and learn to trust more.
When your investments go south, use that conflict as an opportunity to buy more of the good investments, sell the bad ones and claim the losses on your taxes.
When conflict happens in your faith, relationships, or finances, will you be torn down or will you seize the opportunity to grow?
Father, help me use conflict the right way. I don’t want to seek it out, but when it comes help me respond with openness, grace, and truth. Help me use it for good.
