Disagreements are inevitable, drama is optional.
=================
Scripture
Joshua 22:11-13, 31
“The rest of Israel heard that the people of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had built an altar at Geliloth at the edge of the land of Canaan, on the west side of the Jordan River. So the whole community of Israel gathered at Shiloh and prepared to go to war against them. First, however, they sent a delegation led by Phinehas son of Eleazar, the priest, to talk with the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.”
“Phinehas, son of Eleazar, the priest, replied to them, “Today we know the Lord is among us because you have not committed this treachery against the Lord, as we thought. Instead, you have rescued Israel from being destroyed by the hand of the Lord.”
Observation
What a prime opportunity for strife, tension, drama, and discord to break out! Some of the tribes had built an altar which was not approved by God for sacrifices, and the rest of the nation was ready to take up arms against them. Every party in the situation had a logical, valid, righteous reason for doing what they had done… including the guy who originally spread the rumor. Unfortunately, he was missing one critical piece of information which nearly started a civil war. The situation was ripe for tragedy, but fortunately someone was wise enough to realize that the thing which was lacking…was a conversation.
Phinehas was sent directly to the ones mentioned in the recent gossip, and God used him to avert the crisis and bring unity and healing.
Application
Disagreements are inevitable, drama is optional. When the rumor mill starts, the Godly response is for me to go directly to the other party instead of leaping into action based on a rumor or spreading the rumor farther. God can receive the glory even in very imperfect situations, if I walk in His principles and refuse to play along with gossip and rumors.
This week, I choose to be a catalyst of unity. I choose to “go directly” when rumors or issues sprout up, so that the drama is nipped in the bud and relationships can be preserved.
Prayer
God, thank you for the practical wisdom that I find in your word. Thank you for the unity of your spirit, which allows us to navigate disagreements and put an end to drama. Help me to bring you glory through my conversations-both the conversations that I initiate, and the ones to which I put an end.
Interested in getting daily devotions delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe HERE!
You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/
