CONFLICT RESOLUTION WITHOUT BITTERNESS
Luke 12:13 AMP "Someone from the crowd said to Him, Master, order my brother to divide the inheritance and share it with me. "
The clamor for self-determination is at an all-time high globally and this is motivated by the desire for communities to have control over the exploration and exploitation of their resources. The public outcry has been that of resource control with many secessionist movements threatening fire and brimstone .
This was the situation between the two brothers in Luke 12.13, they had received an inheritance from their father with one probably having an unfair advantage over the other. It is common for parents to will their properties based on the sentimental value attached to each child. But it is not so with God, the scriptures says we are joint-heirs with Christ.
It was the selfish disposition by one of them that informed the request by the other for an equitable sharing of the inheritance .Jesus knew that conceding to the request of being an arbiter between the brothers would be an endorsement of the ownership mentality over God's Commonwealth principle. This therefore, informed His reply to that request "And He said to them, Guard yourselves and keep free from all covetousness (the immoderate desire for wealth, the greedy longing to have more); for a man's life does not consist in and is not derived from possessing overflowing abundance or that which is over and above his needs."
Over 90% of the world's gross domestic product (GDP )is controlled by less than 10 % of the world's population, that leaves over 70% of the over seven billion people on earth living below the poverty datum line and the reason behind the current global political and social instability . The tendency to be concerned only with one's self without thinking of others is what is behind the crisis in families and communities.
Self-centeredness is the act of being independent of outside force or influence, self -sufficient concerned solely with one's own desires, needs, or interests (Merriam Webstars English Dictionary) is the absence of love for others and consideration for their needs (James 2:15-16) True love that promotes justice, equity , human dignity and benevolence and tolerance is the cure for marginalization and strife in our families and communities.
Hoarding generally leads to poverty, whenever we hold back what is meant for the sustenance of the community, it demonstrates our lack of faith in the lord , Proverbs 11:24 AMP "There are those who [generously] scatter abroad, and yet increase more; there are those who withhold more than is fitting or what is justly due, but it results only in want.." We demonstrate our love for God and confidence in His ability to provide for our emotional and physical needs through benevolence.
Genuine Christianity is sacrificial and does not consider any thing as it's own. The scriptures says that the earth belongs to God and everything in it. The resources in our possession are for the purpose of the spread of the gospel. Selfishness hinders the spread of the gospel and gives Satan the advantage over our families and communities Philippians 2:21says "For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s. " selfishness is behind failed relationships and the unwillingness to commit to a righteous course (2Timothy 3:1) this is behind the failure of the world's economy as a result of inequitable distribution of resources.
The inequality caused by selfishness leads to wars ; 1 Timothy 6: 9 -10 says "But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." Self-centered Christians struggle with a relationship with the Holy Spirit.
Self-centredness starts with parents allowing children have their way even against God's will. That's not true love. Eli : a highly respected priest in Israel fell through the selfishness of his sons (1 Samuel 2 :22-25 ). They were engrossed in sexual sins and covetousness . This resulted in the disregard for the clergy and eventually their demise.
The clamor for self-determination is at an all-time high globally and this is motivated by the desire for communities to have control over the exploration and exploitation of their resources. The public outcry has been that of resource control with many secessionist movements threatening fire and brimstone .
This was the situation between the two brothers in Luke 12.13, they had received an inheritance from their father with one probably having an unfair advantage over the other. It is common for parents to will their properties based on the sentimental value attached to each child. But it is not so with God, the scriptures says we are joint-heirs with Christ.
It was the selfish disposition by one of them that informed the request by the other for an equitable sharing of the inheritance .Jesus knew that conceding to the request of being an arbiter between the brothers would be an endorsement of the ownership mentality over God's Commonwealth principle. This therefore, informed His reply to that request "And He said to them, Guard yourselves and keep free from all covetousness (the immoderate desire for wealth, the greedy longing to have more); for a man's life does not consist in and is not derived from possessing overflowing abundance or that which is over and above his needs."
Over 90% of the world's gross domestic product (GDP )is controlled by less than 10 % of the world's population, that leaves over 70% of the over seven billion people on earth living below the poverty datum line and the reason behind the current global political and social instability . The tendency to be concerned only with one's self without thinking of others is what is behind the crisis in families and communities.
Self-centeredness is the act of being independent of outside force or influence, self -sufficient concerned solely with one's own desires, needs, or interests (Merriam Webstars English Dictionary) is the absence of love for others and consideration for their needs (James 2:15-16) True love that promotes justice, equity , human dignity and benevolence and tolerance is the cure for marginalization and strife in our families and communities.
Hoarding generally leads to poverty, whenever we hold back what is meant for the sustenance of the community, it demonstrates our lack of faith in the lord , Proverbs 11:24 AMP "There are those who [generously] scatter abroad, and yet increase more; there are those who withhold more than is fitting or what is justly due, but it results only in want.." We demonstrate our love for God and confidence in His ability to provide for our emotional and physical needs through benevolence.
Genuine Christianity is sacrificial and does not consider any thing as it's own. The scriptures says that the earth belongs to God and everything in it. The resources in our possession are for the purpose of the spread of the gospel. Selfishness hinders the spread of the gospel and gives Satan the advantage over our families and communities Philippians 2:21says "For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s. " selfishness is behind failed relationships and the unwillingness to commit to a righteous course (2Timothy 3:1) this is behind the failure of the world's economy as a result of inequitable distribution of resources.
The inequality caused by selfishness leads to wars ; 1 Timothy 6: 9 -10 says "But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." Self-centered Christians struggle with a relationship with the Holy Spirit.
Self-centredness starts with parents allowing children have their way even against God's will. That's not true love. Eli : a highly respected priest in Israel fell through the selfishness of his sons (1 Samuel 2 :22-25 ). They were engrossed in sexual sins and covetousness . This resulted in the disregard for the clergy and eventually their demise.
The selfishness of one' spouse could bring disaster upon a family .This is why the New Testament's ceremonial tithing (1Cor. 16:1-2) , benevolence and offerings should be encouraged, this is an effective way of overcoming selfishness ( Deut 14:23).It was Abraham's key to success over 300 years before it was adapted as part of the laws of Moses( Gen.14:20). Abraham demonstrated accountability to God through Melchizedek, no marriage and organization can succeed without accountability; it is the bedrock upon which all conflicts are resolved without bitterness. Ask God to show you the person to whom you are to be accountable to .
Unselfishness is the key to greatness.The world is seeking for unselfish men and women to be put in places of political leadership. Abraham demonstrated his unselfishness when he gave up part of his estate to his nephew Lot for peace to reign ( Genesis.13:9 ) God rewards our unselfishness through miraculous breakthroughs. Psalm 34:9-10 ...For there is no want to those who truly revere and worship Him with godly fear...." The unselfish never suffer lack .
Prayer : Heavenly Father forgive me for my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive grace for extraordinary provisions in Jesus name.
Prayer/counseling +2348098536911,+2348035536911
Email: michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com
Prayer : Heavenly Father forgive me for my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive grace for extraordinary provisions in Jesus name.
Prayer/counseling +2348098536911,+2348035536911
Email: michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com
Pics, credit:pixabay.com
Comments
Post a Comment