Proverbs 20:3(NIV) It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.
From our anchored Scripture, avoiding a fight is a mark of honor but it is only a fool who insist on quarreling. Strife is that friction that either boil gently under the surface or explodes in the open between people who disagree about something. The lifestyle of strife is a deadly enemy of destiny, it kills our joy and peace, and causes our focus to be distracted. Whenever we agree to contend with others, our focus is taken away from where we are going in life. Many challenges we face in life are simply distractions from the enemy to keep us from pursuing our destiny. Proverbs 17:14 says “Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.” We are to drop every matter that will lead to dispute before it breaks out.
Throughout the Scriptures, God warns us about the danger of strife. The warning is clear that we should do everything within our power to avoid strife. Yet, it’s still one of the most common problems among believers. When Absalom contended with his father, David, he ended in disaster, dying a foolish death. In Genesis 13, there was a strife between Abram’s and Lot’s herdsmen but Abram said to Lot let there be no strife between us and he was willing to give the best of the land to Lot and his herdsmen. Just before David fought the giant Goliath, his brother Eliab tried to confront him. But David knew that arguing with Eliab wasn’t even worth his time and strength. He knew his real battle was with Goliath, and he didn’t want to be distracted. He simply “turned away” from Iliab and kept his focus on what he was called to do. We cannot allow the little things to cause strife in our lives. It is written in 1 Peter 2:23 “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” As children of God let us follow Jesus’ example when we feel provoked. God expects His people to speak good words; words of encouragement, words of faith, and words that edify. Even when offended, gracious words can break a bone or stone.
Beloved, know when to turn away from strife and receive the mark of honor the Lord has for you. Maybe someone in the office isn’t as friendly to you as you’d like or you have a family member who is always picking up a fight with you, those things may be frustrating, but they have little significance when you look at the big picture of eternity. Follow the example of David and Abram keeping your eyes on what’s most important in life. Instead of being led away by frustrations, quarrels and conflicts focus on the bigger picture. Refuse the attempt of people wanting to draw you into a quarrel. Depend on the Holy Spirit for the Spirit will enable you to override the sparks of fury that will prompt you to do and say things to strike out at people who upset you. Pray from the depth of your heart for anyone who wants to pick a fight with you. Wish everyone well. Resist strife and say right out loud, “I am walking in the peace of God today” every time you start to get upset about something. Remember, there are people who are going to stir you up and annoy you on purpose or by accident.
O Lord, give me the wisdom and courage I need to walk away from any strife so I can focus on the destiny You have prepared for me in Jesus’ Name.