Killing Conflict

Without wood, fire goes out; without a gossip, conflict dies down. – Proverbs 26:20

Typically, as organizations go through transitions related to growth, there is a lot of chatter. Most of this is welcomed, important, and vital as everyone works toward helpful solutions; however, some of the talk can be negative and not at all helpful.

There will always be challenges, personal and corporate, that accompany growth. Sometimes these challenges will result in differences of opinion, which is actually a good thing. Often it is in the differences that the best approach is found; however, the negative "pot-stirring" of a contentious remnant can serve to magnify the differences and work against the common unity that is necessary to move forward. Even the best of leaders can be drawn into the unholy fray and often are. Organizational health is never achieved through the absence of conflict, but rather in the godly management of it.

Each person (especially leaders) must remain steadfast, faithful, and humble in their service to Christ when conflict occurs. Growth and health require constant attention and diligence, but ultimately, by His sovereign grace, God will get the glory. Of course, He is the only One who should.

A holy man is not one who has his eyes set on his own whiteness but one who is personally and passionately devoted to the Lord who saved him, one whom the Holy Spirit takes care shall never forget that God has made him what he is by sheer sovereign grace. - Oswald Chambers