The word for this week is "strife". I would rather cover a more positive and happy word, but avoiding strife is vital to staying in position to receive God's very best! Here are two examples for strife from the New Testament: Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. KJV James 3:14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descends not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. KJV
This is the Greek word "eritheia". Strong's Exhaustive Concordance says: intrigue; faction. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds this: a desire to put oneself forward; a partisan and factious spirit. A dictionary definition of "faction" is 1) dissension and 2) a small party within a larger group that is often contentious and self-seeking. This has happened in churches, workplaces and in families. James 3 above tells us that this attitude is devilish. It is certainly one of his many tactics. He would love nothing better than to divide and conquer God's people in any way possible! When we recognize the danger of strife, we can avoid it at all costs in our families by choosing always to believe the best of each other and by refusing to give in to selfishness! This CAN be hard on our flesh, but SO worth the effort to keep the peace! As far as dealing with others, we will need to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit about when to remove ourselves from the situation and when to stay and continue to BE the Light they need to see. We all have emotions and the nature of the flesh to deal with simply because we are human beings! When we make LOVE our priority, we will see strife eliminated! I have NEVER experienced strife in your home! You and Kristine and your girls have always made us feel so welcome and loved! I so enjoy being in THAT atmosphere! I am going to add prayer against strife in your family, work, friends and church to my prayer list for you both! I desire that you continue to be BLESSED beyond measure and I KNOW that Jesus does! Here is an older song from Hillsong called "All of My Days":
