Genesis 13:7-8 KJV
And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram’s cattle and the herdmen of Lot’s cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land. And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren.
Throughout the Scriptures, God warns us about the danger of strife because it’s still one of the most common problems among believers. The lifestyle of strife is a deadly enemy of destiny. Strife is the enemy’s greatest trap to keep people from living in victory. It was this lifestyle that finished Lot in the Bible. When Lot began striving with his uncle, Abraham, who brought him out from Haran, his life ended in disaster and tragedy. Instead of stopping his herdsmen, he allowed it to continue until Abraham told him to choose the land, he wanted for himself. It was bad enough for Abraham and Lot to contend with each other, but to have strife between them in the presence of the ungodly Canaanite and Perizzite over material possessions was even worse.
Strife is discord and bitter conflict that leaves lingering anger and bad feelings. It’s a demonic spirit that is determined to destroy and block the flow of God’s grace into our lives. In life, the troublemaker plants the seed of strife. In other words, some people in society will look for contention, and where it does not exist, they will sow these seeds of conflict so that it will sprout out to destroy. Some people will stir us up and annoy us on purpose or by accident. But know that this world isn’t perfect, that there are people in it who aren’t going to be nice to us. The truth is strife equals hate because we do not strive with someone we love. So, when we strife with our friends, we have eliminated God from our lives because God is love. Therefore, if we are going to be all God called us to be, we must learn to stay above strife. Proverbs 17:14 says, “The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention before it be meddled with.” Once strife is out, it travels in different directions wherever there is the least resistance. It stains the clean surfaces of the room and cannot be put back in its container as though it had not spilled out. Strife opens the door to every evil work. James 3:14-16 says, “But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” Wherever jealousy and envy are, there is confusion and every evil works. So, guard against this because God isn’t the author of confusion but peace.
Beloved, make up your mind that you’re not going to let anyone get your peace because that peace is vital to your well-being and body health. Peace will put you where God will guide your steps and save you from some very grave mistakes. Never let anyone push you into anything you are not ready for in this life. Don’t ever fall into the trap of strife, rise above it. Avoid every invitation to strive with someone. You don’t have to sink to anybody’s level and argue with them to prove that you’re right. Have no place for foolish argument, strife, or variance in your life and the church of Christ. Don’t get me wrong because, as a Christian, you are to try and help others get saved and better, but if you allow strife around your life, it will destroy your destiny. Words are keys; they make or mar the reputation of a man. So, speak good words, words of encouragement, words of faith, and words that edify. Even when offended, gracious words break the bone. Watch out for when allies quarrel, enemies take notice!
O LORD, deliver me from the lifestyle of strife and hatred. Help me to live in peace and love in Jesus’ Name.