Collision Course with Conflict

by Andrew Cromwell

There are some things in life that you are just not going to be able to avoid. On this list are things like problems, weird relatives and people who won’t stop talking about their iPhone. And not to be forgotten, is the inevitable reality—conflict.

No matter how much you try, you will not be able to avoid conflict. It could be argued, that even if you were to live in total seclusion, you would still be in conflict because of the ever-present battle that wages inside between our heavenly and earthly natures.

This is not to say that every conflict that happens in your life is inevitable. Not by a long stretch. Many of us seem to go out of our way to create unnecessary conflict and contention because we can’t control our tongue. Are you the kind of person that always likes to have the last word or that always has to be right? If you are always in conflict with your friends, family, neighbors and co-workers, then wake up and smell the coffee. You are probably a bit too vocal and you need to stop blaming everyone else for all the drama in your life because it’s you.

But there are some conflicts that are absolutely essential. The battle for your personal destiny, the fight to protect your kids’ innocence, the struggle to keep your marriage—these are just a few. These important conflicts take time and attention. You can’t shortchange them; if you do you always lose.

Are you embroiled in too many conflicts? Maybe it’s time to stop taking yourself so seriously and allow someone else to win an argument once in a while. Those who always have to be right end up being right by themselves. Decide to give up on things that are not essential and make amends.

Have you given up on fighting for the things that matter? It’s time to get back into conflict again. Get back on the horse and start fighting for your marriage again. Sometimes the easy thing (avoiding the difficult conversation) is not the best thing!

This weekend, the pastors in Kings County would love the opportunity to help you settle the conflict between you and God. Once that conflict is settled you can use the strength He gives you to deal with every other conflict in your life!