'Put 'em Up!'

Some people like to watch a fight. I never got into the PPV fight scene, even though the MMA fighters choose to fight and are paid to fight, it just doesn't appeal to me. 

Others will run to a fight. They can't wait to get involved, . . . to participate. That can mean taking up the offense of someone else and jumping in the middle. This is seen in the bench-clearing brawls in hockey, baseball, and ... well, most of our sports.

Then there are those who live to fight. They're not content unless there is conflict. Whether subconsciously or by their will, if things get too peaceful, they'll create a conflict just to give them something to fight about. This can happen in the home between a husband and wife, in the workplace, or (gasp) even in the church. 

Wherever it occurs, this quarreling and arguing is not a characteristic of Christ, it is of the world. 

Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? 1 Cor. 3:1-3 

Remember, this letter was written to a local church in Corinth. According to the Scripture, quarreling and fighting proves that we are still living as the world, not by the Spirit. We are immature, walking according to the flesh which is supposed to be crucified with Christ. You've probably heard the stories of church splits over the color of the carpet or which side the organ should be on. Sadly, these instances grieve the heart of God and are disastrous to the local church and contribute to an unflattering view of Christianity.  (We avoid the 'where the organ should be' argument by moving the organ, french horns, guitars, etc. every couple of weeks).

When Christian people act like the world, ... quarreling, bickering and fighting, the world doesn't see Jesus, it sees more of the world. More darkness, not the light of Christ. It also reveals our true spiritual maturity level...babies. It's understandable that new believers would be dealing with things like this as they allow the Spirit to reform the areas in their lives, attitudes and actions. But believers who have been Christians for decades (like me) should model the attitude of Jesus and live by the Spirit in this area. 

In the 'mortal' words of Rodney King, "Can we all get along?"

In the 'immortal' words of Jesus, "Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:35 NLT

Prayer: Lord, help me to live at peace with my brother, and to exhibit the love of Christ to Your church, and to the world. 
 
Enjoying the Journey,
David

Words

There are some words that Jesus wouldn’t say. And as those who are striving to imitate Him, neither should we. 

No foul language. 

No dirty jokes. 

No innuendos.

No disparaging words about another ethnicity.

Words are important. In the Old Testament, at least two of the Ten Commandments focus on words. 

1) Don’t take the Name of the Lord in vain. 

2) Don’t Lie 

In the New Testament, Jesus said that we will give an account for every idle word, and that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. Our words matter. So what words should identify the modern day disciple of Jesus? The Apostle Paul tells the church in Ephesus, and us…

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Eph. 4:29 NLT

The words of a new favorite song of mine called ‘Words’ by Hawk Nelson read…

Let my words be life, Let my words be truth

I don’t want to say a word, unless it points the world back to You.

Let the words I say be the sound of Your grace

I don’t want to say a word, unless it points the world back to You.

Prayer: Dear God, let my words be life. Let my words be truth. Let my words encourage and not tear down. May the words of my mouth glorify You. May the meditation of my heart that is the seedbed for my speech be pure, holy and pleasing to You. May I only speak words that Jesus would say, so that by my speech, the world will recognize me as a follower of Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.