Day 302
Lamentations 1:1-2:19; Philemon 1-25; Psalm 101:1-8; Proverbs 26:20
There Are No Healthy Quarrels
“Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.” – Proverbs 26:20
I remember the situation like it was yesterday. My brother and I were having an all-out argument in the back of the car on the way to a Detroit Pistons basketball game.
“Isaiah Thomas is the best!” I said.
“No way,” my brother countered. “He’s no where near as good as Magic Johnson.”
After a few more assertions from each of us, my Dad had finally had enough. He told us to “zip it” for the rest of the car ride, or there would be no basketball game. My brother and I retreated to our own separate sides of the back seat, sulking.
It’s amazing how childish arguments can be, especially the kind you are likely to find in the “grown-up” church. These arguments are usually started by one person or another being unable to understand the viewpoint of another person. Even worse, the arguments can be ignited or re-ignited by lies and gossip. When they are, they grow like an inferno.
The important thing for believers to remember is to work diligently to cease the spread of a rumor. If someone wants to argue with you, just ignore them. This is like throwing water on a fire. Remember, it’s impossible to have an disagreement with only one person.
Pastor Phil Ayers
Lifepoint Church
Longwood, FL