Read: 1 Corinthians 3: 1-3“For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” - Romans 8:6 NKJV
Conflict is not only prevalent in modern society, but probable as well. We get so jaded in our thinking, and so fearful in our expectancy of opposition, that we end up walking through life just waiting for someone to say or do something hurtful or inflammatory. We worry that someone or something will invade our personal space and strip us of our power, control, prestige, comfort or intimacy in our relationships. Murphy’s Law is always in play; so if there is anything that can possibly go wrong, it certainly will. Nothing, not even the simplest of tasks, is ever easy.
Conflict is not only prevalent in modern society, but probable as well. We get so jaded in our thinking, and so fearful in our expectancy of opposition, that we end up walking through life just waiting for someone to say or do something hurtful or inflammatory. We worry that someone or something will invade our personal space and strip us of our power, control, prestige, comfort or intimacy in our relationships. Murphy’s Law is always in play; so if there is anything that can possibly go wrong, it certainly will. Nothing, not even the simplest of tasks, is ever easy.
The potential for harm is probable, and therefore, overwhelming. So, we hide behind a thick wall of suspicion and mistrust. As a consequence of living with all of this stress we bring harm to our body and soul anyway. Physically, we tend to develop ulcers, heart issues, and nerve damage; mentally, we drown in phobias, anxiety and hypochondria; as well as emotionally, we erupt with irritability, anger and defensiveness.
Our only hope of rising above the conflict is to dwell in the spiritual realm. Our goals, outlook and focus are then eternal rather than temporal. Issues that used to affect us, no longer make any impression on us at all. We recognize Jesus as the Author and Finisher of our faith, and we surrender our life to His direction. We live our days in total worship to Him.
We can actually relax, once we realize that God has plans for us that include peace rather than disaster, plans to give us a future filled with hope (Jeremiah 29:11). When negative circumstances do arise, we have the faith that God works even these destructive events out for our good (Romans 8:28). We look forward to the days, which are coming, when God raises up a righteous Branch, King Jesus, who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land (Jeremiah 23:5). Then peace and joy will flood our lives. He will wipe away every tear from our eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All of the negative issues of life will be gone forever (Revelation 21:4).
Prayer:
Lord, help me not to allow the unknown to threaten my peace, but to totally trust in You. Help me to relinquish the control of my life to You. Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me in a level path, because of my enemies (Psalm 27:11). Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way in which I should go, for to You do I lift up my soul (Psalm 143:8). Thought for the Day:
True peace and success only come when Jesus sets us free from the power of sin and the entanglement of this world.