How do we deal with conflict?

The most common criticism against the Christian church in our times is that it is irrelevant to people’s real problems, and does not help people where they live.  Many churches of our day are interested only in singing hymns and performing religious ceremonies, or in spouting moral platitudes and reading Scripture, but not really engaging in the current problems of our society.

In Chapters 4 and 5 of Ephesians, we see that the Apostle Paul comes to grips with our constant urge to lie, to steal, to gossip, to be hateful and bitter with one another. He deals at length, frankly and forthrightly, and every way, he brings Christian truth right down into life, and shows us how to live in a sick society,  dealing with such matters as climbing divorce rates, spreading teenage rebelion, the political squabbles within the government,  and all the pressing issues of our day. This passage brings us right to grips with these very conflicts.

What does Scripture have to say on these matters? Well, the amazing thing is, that what the inspired apostle has to say as to the solution of all conflicts between individuals can be put into one brief sentence. That is exactly what he does:

Here Paul is dealing with the basic remedy for all the conflicts in our day.

What approaches do we noramlly use to solve the social issues of our day? First, we must somehow gain the attention of the public to this problem. Then we must get an appropriation from some funding body, private or governmental. Then a committee must be appointed to go into the matter and to study it thoroughly. Then the committee must publish its report. After the report is out, and we have all studied it, then we proceed to organize pressure blocks and boycotts and pickets and other methods of bringing pressure on the right people to correct the abuses which exist.

But this is in direct contrast that with what Paul says in Ephesians: The solution is always addressed to individuals. Start where you are by doing one simple thing: “Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ.”

When I am at odds with another person, no matter where it is – or who it is – to be aware that Christ is there too will make me aware of what He has shown me and what He has taught me.  It is only when I forget myself and devote myself to another’s fulfillment, that I will find my own heart running over with grace and glory and satisfaction.

This is exactly what Paul means: “Subject yourselves to one another, out of reverence for Christ.” The world is waiting to see a demonstration of this. They do not understand this kind of action, and they cannot grasp its importance until they see it in action among Christians.

Excerpts from “Christian Relationships” by Ray C. Stedman