Do You Fight Like the Devil Over Godly Things?
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,
even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
I have the privilege of traveling around the country and working with numerous congregations. There are many folks working in a harmonious spirit to reach others for God’s Kingdom. It’s exciting and rewarding to work with such groups. Unfortunately, some churches are known for their bickering and argumentative nature. The people within these churches tend to focus on each other’s faults rather than building an encouraging environment to reach their communities.
Whether it’s a church, a work environment, a sports team, or a family, we can labor more effectively with unity, concentrating on the building up, rather than the tearing down of individuals. With that thought in mind, I’m reminded of an old legend about a covey of quail.
The quail would have been happy except for their enemy. The hunter imitated the sound of a quail, gathering the covey together. As they loitered about, he threw his net over them. The birds struggled, but were eventually placed into his hunting basket and carried off to market.
One wise quail, observing this ordeal, offered, “Brothers, I have a plan. If the hunter casts his net over us, we should each put our head into a section of net and begin to flap our wings. Together we can lift the net and fly away with it.” All the birds agreed. When the fowler threw his net upon the covey, they organized their efforts and flew off with his net.
Several months later the hunter decided to again try his luck at capturing some game to sell at the market. After the luring call was given, the birds came together. This time the birds quarreled with one another over who was lifting the most and which bird would be in the middle of the net. The fowler took advantage of their distraction and quickly gathered up his net, capturing all the birds.
At times all our finger-pointing and bickering ends up doing us all in and nothing is accomplished. If we find ourselves constantly amidst controversy and strife, we need to take a good hard look at ourselves. What are we really fighting over? How is God being glorified?
Jesus sent us on a mission to seek and save the lost. Let’s work together in unity, through Christ’s love and grace… especially in the church.
Personal Application
How can these verses of Scripture assist someone in your church?
“What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Isn’t it the whole army of evil desires at war within you?” James 4:1 (NLT)
“But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.” Titus 3:9
“Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.” Proverbs 20:3 (NLT)
Suggestion for Prayer
Ask God how you can help bring peace to your home, your workplace, and your church.
Jim Grassi, D. Min.