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Topic: Resolving Conflicts
[DCLM Daily Manna 22 January 2019 Daily Devotional by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi]
Text: James 4:1-17 (KJV)
Key Verse: “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded” (James 4:8).
MESSAGE:
There are seven situations that form the root cause of conflicts: people having opposing agenda; people have something that the other person needs but does not have; when there are personality conflict between individuals; when there is a significant change in the relationship equilibrium between individuals; when there is betrayal of trust between individuals; when there is thoughtless and irresponsible behaviour of an individual and when the need certain groups or individuals are not met.
The passage today puts lust at the very centre of man’s conflicts and wars. This lust leads to all evil works: murder, fight, war, worldliness, pride, enmity with God, etc. But we can obtain the grace of God to help us subdue these carnal propensities and also resist the tempter.
This grace also helps us to avoid presumptuous language as regards our future. We are able to remove the arrogant “we will” words that disregard the authority and providence of God and ignore the shortness and uncertainty of life. Our speech must promote our habitual dependence on God, not only for our life but also everyone of our plans and projects.
Self lies at the heart of man’s conflicts and problems. Self goals leads to lust, envy, fighting and quarreling. As people get lost in their selfish pursuits, they become opposed to God and man. The word of God likens them to adulterers and adulteresses, who out of the desire to please self, act in deference to their family and friends. As believers, we should put God first in everything we do.
Thought For The Day: Obtain the grace to subdue carnal propensities.
Bible Reading In One Year: Exodus 20-22
