I Disagree...

I listened to a great sermon yesterday on Barnabas, son of encouragement. And of course, tied into the story is the disagreement that he has with Paul, on their missionary journey. Barnabas wants to extend grace to John Mark, who couldn't handle the first trip and Paul says, no, to the thought of John Mark accompanying them on the second trip. Such was their "sharp disagreement", that they parted ways.

However, their second trip turned into a split trip; essentially doubling their efforts and their reach, as Barnabas and Mark went one way and Paul connected with Silas, and when another way.

Then, later in the day, the local Christian talk show host spent the final 90 minutes of his 4 hour show, having "disagreement day", allowing callers to say, I agree with you for the most part, except..."

Disagreements can be tricky and difficult conversations to navigate, especially in ministry. Yet as the radio personality stated, they help to define and refine our arguments and points of view. They increase our understanding and hopefully lead us that much closer to the truth. They do have their place, in the process of "iron sharpening iron".

Conflict serves us well, if we handle it properly. There my be times where agreeing to disagree is an acceptable outcome. There will be other times, where that is not enough and a parting of ways is in order. Whatever the circumstances, wisdom and discernment levels are high as is the need to retain them. And even in the break-aways, God has plans and purposes to accomplish His will through our efforts, such that the conflict may be the only way that God's will is carried out.

Thus, on this #deaconThursday, let's pray for churches struggling to navigate conflict and disagreements. May grace and understanding abound and cover the conversations. Pray for wisdom as they work through differences. May God accomplish the miraculous, even in times of parting ways. May such outcomes not give way to bitterness and anger. Pray for churches that have been damaged and destroyed by sharp disagreements. May they experience a healing and restoration in their community and be empowered to greater pursue God and His purposes for their church.

That even disagreements would not hinder
The process and work of the Holy Spirit
And communication of the Gospel of Christ.
For the glory of God.

- PNC