Blessed are the peacemakers (part 2)
The second principle of becoming a peacemaker is to realize that conflict provides opportunity. Instead of asking, "God, why are you allowing this?" The question needs to be, "How can I respond like Jesus would respond?" It is easy to take up an offense for someone else especially if they are being attacked and discouraged. A peacemaker is not someone who is weak, but realizes that conflict is allowed by God to help us see His redemptive plan. The Word of God explains that peacemaking is possible if the process is centered on the right principles.[1] Prayer opens up the need to see the conflict as an opportunity to not only bring glory to God, but to be a change agent in other people's lives.
Through the experiences I have been through, I have been challenged to be a peacemaker. Unless I have a clear conscience, then I will never become what Christ has called me to become. My desire is to not suffer the consequences of inner conflict; “conflict is especially effective in breaking down appearances and revealing stubborn pride, a bitter and unforgiving heart, or a critical tongue.”[2] God has humbled me through this process and has shown me how to be willing to look at each conflict that arises as an opportunity to bring Him glory.
[1] “So, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31)
[2] The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict, 25.
Blessed are the peacemakers (part 1)
Peace is what Christ has called all believers to live out in their daily lives. Through reading and understanding the principles laid out in Ken Sande’s book, “The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict” this series will reveal an application of the core ways to build peace through resolving conflict.
It is not a matter of "if" we will deal with conflict but "when." Scripture teaches that believers are to be peacemakers to others by glorifying God. The first step to dealing with conflict is to realize that God must be the first priority in the process. God has not called his children to be unforgiving, but to begin the process of trying to initiate a way of bringing healing to hurting or broken relationships in life. Ken Sande talks about focusing on what is important when he says, “I have found that the best way to counteract this tendency is to keep my eyes off myself and to focus upon God.” The only way to handle the pain that comes from disagreements and to handle it God’s way.
The reason that peacemaking is needed is due to the spiritual state of the family. Families continue to try to resolve conflict by becoming "busy" or attending every sport or activity to drown out the pain. Families must realize that God is in the business of helping people resolve conflict and have clear consciences. Once people become peacemakers in the home, it will impact our culture and help people come to know Christ. Overall, the goal is to bring glory to God no matter the outcome of the conflict situation.
The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict
Is there a Biblical Approach to Planning?
Leadership is a continual focus upon growing from one point into the next. God has called leaders to be ahead of the people in order to help them get closer to God and each other. Without a strategic plan to accomplish vision, it remains only an idea. Leadership is being able to see the future that God has laid out and then explain the processes for people to understand how to achieve success. The key to handling the ideas and plans of any leader is to begin at the foundation, God’s Word. Moses had to decide a plan to achieve success in leading the Israelites out of Egypt. It is important to note that God’s vision comes from Him and the people of God are to fulfill it. Planning is the process of seeking God’s Will and clear ways to fulfill it. Moses was a good example of using strategic planning as a tool in leading the Israelites out of Egypt. The quote explains further, “Jethro taught Moses how to set up a strategic plan by delegating the work so that the load would be spread among many. As a result, the manpower resources were used more effectively and the ministry was accomplished. Moses was also thinking strategically when he sent spies to the land of Canaan” (Building Church Leaders). God used Moses and helped him lead others to take up the reins of leadership and bring about redemption for Israel. God also used Moses to plan and use his brother Aaron to implement the exodus from Egypt to the Promised Land. God has given us His principles of planning through Proverbs (16:1-4) andthrough many biblical heroes (Nehemiah, Moses, Joshua, Joseph). A foundational scripture on planning says, "Where there is no vision, the people will perish (Proverbs 29:18). God’s Word explains many commands, precepts, and principles to follow. The church is in dire need of strategic planning in order to clear the cobwebs of man-made plans and truly seek God’s plans. Jesus came for a specific purpose of bringing sinful mankind into a right relationship with God the Father through the cross. The church has to become rifle focused upon achieving the restoration of people’s lives into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Strategic planning clears the uncertainty and helps churches make decisions based upon the gospel over what is man-made (Proverbs 16:19). Leadership is to make plans as far out as possible to give people enough space to jump on-board the vision.
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