A word fitly spoken is like APPLES OF GOLD in a setting of silver – Proverbs 25v11
Last week we started a series on the conflict that is constantly taking place between our natural will, which the Bible calls the flesh, and our spiritual character which is being molded by the Holy Spirit, as explained in the Book of Galatians, chapter 5 from verse 19-21. We contrasted hatred and love and hopefully we are all allowing Godly love to flourish in our lives and winning the war against the flaw of hatred in our character.
Today we focus on the conflict between discord and peace and then jealousy and long-suffering. It just needs one musician in an orchestra to be off-key playing and singing his own tune for there to be a discordant and unpleasant sound. Some people take delight in causing discord and create chaos around them often to bring attention to themselves. This sort of person starts a fight either verbally or physically and then steps aside to enjoy the mayhem he has caused. Spirit-filled and controlled Christians should rather be peacemakers as Jesus insisted in Matthew 5v9: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God”. It is obvious that we can only do this if we are at peace with ourselves and with the Lord, as we read in Philippians 4v6. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”.
Another unpleasant character flaw is Jealousy – which is like a cancer that grows and grows bringing misery to the person who is jealous. It breaks down relationships, affects our mental and physical health and achieves nothing good. Instead as the Bible puts it clearly, we should have a spirit of contentment: “But godliness with contentment is great gain”. 1 Timothy 6v6. We will then experience the reality of the fruit of long-suffering or forbearance. We will be able to rejoice with those who rejoice, instead of being jealous of the blessings they are enjoying. It is not easy, especially when people flaunt their success, but if we are long-suffering, we will reap a freedom from discontentment and develop a greater relationship with Him and enjoy the favour of other believers.
God Bless
Graeme Greenwood