Pastor Michael Keeton
May 19, 2020
First, let me explain where conflict comes from in our life. Conflict always begins from unmet desires in our hearts. When we feel we cannot be satisfied unless we have something we want or think we need, the desire turns into a demand. If someone fails to meet that desire, we condemn him or her in our heart and fight to get our way. So, in general, conflict arises when desires grow into demands and we judge and punish those who get in our way.
Unmet desires have the potential of working themselves deeper and deeper into our mind. This is true when we come to see desires as something we need or deserve, and therefore, must have in order to be happy or fulfilled. Our desires, then, become a demand.
How can we know when a desire has become a demand? Ask yourself these questions:
- What do I think about the first thing in the
morning and the last thing on my mind at night?
- How would I complete this sentence: “If only
__________ then I would be happy, fulfilled and secure.
3. What do I want to preserve or avoid?
4. What do I fear?
5. Where do I put my trust?
6. When a certain desire is not met, do I feel
frustration, anxiety, resentment, bitterness, anger
or depression?
7. Is there something I desire so much that I am
willing to disappoint or hurt someone in order to
have it?
Conflict can come because of our own greed and wants. We get so busy making a living we forget about making a life.
If you are having trouble with conflict in your life there are some things you can do. For me riding my motorcycle can be very therapeutic. When I ride I can leave the mundane things behind. I enjoy my fellow riders and some of us are fortunate enough that our wives want to come along. For you it may be something else like exercise, reading a good book, walking, riding a bike, etc. Second, we must ask God to help us sort out what are the priorities of our life.
So many people prioritize their schedule instead of scheduling their priorities. What are your priorities? Are they all about you? Do you try and cover up, it is all about me syndrome? Jesus gave us an example and showed us it is all about others. Remember the acronym for “JOY? Jesus, others, you! We say we are practicing that but are we really? God desires that we follow His Word and become a servant to others. We live just the opposite way and say hey what about me?
So, during this time of social distancing we need to make sure we, WALK BY THE SPIRIT, and not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
Put God first, then others, yes even your spouse, then you.
Be safe and stay healthy.
Love and prayers,
Pastor Mike