March 06, 2022
Greetings and blessings to all of you. We are currently praying for the Christians who are causalities in the mayhem that is going on in Europe, in Africa and the persecuted churches all over the world; however, we must not forget our focus on what is going on here in the United States. Before the plandemic, the Body of Christ was in conflict but now the division is even greater. Just like the conflict overseas there is conflict in the Body of Christ. Conflict in the church is why people sometimes leave a church. We should not be surprised by disagreement in our church or any other church. Conflict has been a reality in church life. Recall when Paul and Barnabas had a falling out as well as Peter and Paul. The church at Corinth seemed to argue about almost everything. Some are using any and all reasons to not to meet together as God commanded us to do in Heb. 10:25. The Word says, “And let us not neglect our meeting together as some people do, but encourage one another especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” God cares for us. One of the reasons He established “the church” that it be a place for community where conflict is resolved and reconciliation takes place. We do that by following the principles God has set forth in His Word to seek authentic peace. Although conflict ultimately is a consequence of the fall, God will and has use conflict as a way to achieve lasting peace, purity, and unity in the church, in our families and in our relationships even wars. Even with all that is going on “wars and rumors of wars”…we can say as Job said, “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” This is a time in the Body of Christ to ask” What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you?” (James 4:1) What fuels civil war in a society intended by our Lord to display love?” (John 13:35) The true Christian still has powerful selfish pleasure-seeking desires. Therefore, conflict brings existing sinful desires and worldly ways of thinking and acting to the surface. As Christians we ought to be considering the Glory of God and the good of that brother or sister in Christ when we disagree. We have a responsibility to evaluate our own roles in and response to disunity.. consider your heart. So, pray that God would use conflict to reveal sin and purify His Church.
With the Love of Christ
First Lady Vivian C. Currie
Pastor ALC