Harmony at Any Cost

There is probably not a person on the face of the planet that craves peace more than me. In fact, to be very honest, I tend to shy away from conflict.

I like to be liked, it’s a part of my personality and it's how I am wired it seems. I lose a fair amount of sleep when I feel that I have been a disappointment or when someone is not happy about a decision that has been made. I have come to understand over the years, that decisions have to be made at times which can be unpopular. It comes with the territory so to speak.

A good friend of mine sent me a wonderful devotion taken from a book by the esteemed Dr. A.W. Tozer, entitled , “This World: Playground or Battleground?”, Christian Publications, May 1989, pages:112-113.

It was so timely for me and I trust it may well be meaningful for you.

The Church: Harmony at Any Cost

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. - 1 Peter 5:8”

Some misguided Christian leaders feel that they must preserve harmony at any cost, so they do everything possible to reduce friction. They should remember that there is no friction in a machine that has been shut down for the night. Turn off the power, and you will have no problem with moving parts. Also remember that there is a human society where there are no problems - the cemetery. The dead have no differences of opinion. They generate no heat, because they have no energy and no motion. But their penalty is sterility and complete lack of achievement.

What then is the conclusion of the matter? That problems are the price of progress, that friction is the concomitant of motion, that a live and expanding church will have a certain quota of difficulties as a result of its life and activity. A Spirit-filled church will invite the anger of the enemy.”

Let us be sober and diligent, preferring love toward one another, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus my beloved.