Costly Conflict            

The Bible says, “And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter? Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly. For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess. Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another. But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly. For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse. And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.” Acts 19:32-41 (KJV)

French novelist and playwright Alexandre Dumas once had a heated quarrel with a rising young politician. The argument became so intense that a duel was inevitable. Since both men were superb shots they decided to draw lots, the loser agreeing to shoot himself. Dumas lost. Pistol in hand, he withdrew in silent dignity to another room, closing the door behind him. The rest of the company waited in gloomy suspense for the shot that would end his career. It rang out at last. His friends ran to the door, opened it, and found Dumas, smoking revolver in hand. “Gentlemen, a most regrettable thing has happened,” he announced. “I missed.”  

Arguments are disruptive and harmful to any organization. This is especially true in the church and in the home. What good does it do to anyone to win an argument while at the same time wounding a loved one? Husbands are right to point out that wives are to be submissive to their own husbands but then they fail to read and live in accordance to the Word of God for they do not love their wives as Christ loves the church and gave himself up for her. Families are torn apart and the hurt goes for generations when we do not apply the precepts written in His Word. Lose an argument before you lose what ought to be precious to you. 

    Daily Chronological Bible Reading: Acts 18:19-28; Acts 19:1-41