Romans 16:17
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

Are you choosing to go along to get along?

There is always one person in the bunch who is forever in the midst of drama. The spirit of strife has found them and attached itself and is always there to influence them. The spirit of strife is always in the middle of every disagreement and is there everywhere the person goes.

James 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. (KJV)

Wherever the person shows up, something happens. No one may remember how the confusion got started, but the spirit of strife was there, in the background, stirring the pot. Someone says the right thing to start confusion; someone else repeats something that was said “in confidence”; they drag information around like a dog with a bone, etc. Remember it’s not the person, it’s the spirit of strife on assignment, creating tension and discord.

As a part of your training, you have to know that the spirit of strife influences people everywhere, including you. No matter where you are, whether it’s on your job, in your friend group, in your home, or sadly at your church. What does it mean for you if this person sits in a place of influence in your life, can help you get a promotion, help you get a raise, or is a part of the tribe you want to be a part of?

First, it is not your job to deal with the spirit of strife in a person. You don’t have the power to fix them according to what you think a “fixed person” would look like. If ever you think you are being led by God to “give a word,” make sure it is not just your flesh working overtime. One way to be sure you are being directed by God is, He will ordain the moment of your encounter. You will not orchestrate it, plan it, or schedule it. Also, you will know if you really heard God by the outcome of the encounter. There will not be a stressful or strife-filled conversation because God is not the author of confusion. Ding! Next level warfare!

Matthew 18:15 This is what you do if one of your brothers or sisters sins against you: go to him, in private, and tell him just what you perceive the wrong to be. If he listens to you, you’ve won a brother. (The Voice)

Your responsibility is to ask the Holy Spirit to help you discern the spirit at work and if God does not direct you to speak or intervene, separate yourself from it. Whether it is you or someone else, pray for deliverance. You don’t want to be around a person who carries the spirit of strife, and if you are being influenced by it, stay away from others until you allow the Lord to deal with you.

Second, make a choice. What if everyone accepts this person’s behavior? What if you would be outcast if you didn’t also? What will you do, go along or choose a different path? This is a pivotal moment and important part of your training. This is another test to pass. Here is a truth you can use as a decision helper:

Deuteronomy 30:19a I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, (NKJV)

There is nothing that a man or woman can do for you that surpasses what God can do if you just walk in his ways. You know God is on your side. Live in that truth and allow God to do what you need done in our life.

 Please agree with me as I pray:

Father, I know it is human nature to want to be accepted. You are teaching me to desire acceptance and approval by You first. But Father, until such time as I am completely there, I thank You for showing me when I am prone to go along to get along. Continue to show me the pitfalls. Help me discern strife-filled people and steer away from strife-filled situations. Show me when I am being influenced by the spirit of strife. I it is my tendency to want to help. But I understand I could just add to the confusion if I am not led by You. You have shown me strife is like a plague. It can influence anyone, and it can spread everywhere: in my home, at my church, or on my job. The ripple effect continues because each person, influenced by strife, takes it with them wherever they go, that spirit causes confusion and someone else is infected, and so on, and so on. Father, I don’t want to be someone who causes issues wherever I go. I don’t want to be a part of that vicious cycle of confusion, problems, issues and struggles. Thank You for requiring me to keep contention and strife out of my environment. I thank You for the strength to stand for what You require of me, even if I have to stand alone, and to separate myself for deliverance if needed…

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x