Aruging: July 1, 2009

TODAYS WORD FOR WEDNESDAY JULY 1, 2009

ARGUING

Defined by Webster:

To present reason for or against a thing; oral disagreement; dispute; to persuade or compel by reasoning.

GODS WORD

“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don’t get it, you kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight.” James 4:1-2.

“Pride only breeds quarrels.” Proverbs 13:10

“Do all things without complaining and disputing.” Philippians 2:14.

“But avoid foolish disputes --- for they are unprofitable and useless.” Titus 3:9.

WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE

It seems that people do love to argue. Take the time to carefully watch people around you and listen carefully to their conversations. Listen to children, youth and adults and count how many times you hear people arguing about issues both large and small. This, you will find out, is true among family members, neighbors and friends. It is human nature for one to argue. Some people like to argue just to argue.

James asks the question, “What causes fights and quarrels?” He gives us a straight-forward answer, “You want something but do not get it.” These desires come from in us because of our sinful and corrupt natures. And in this “ME” generation arguing is a major cause of discord in the family, the community and in the world. Every one is looking out for self and they do not stop to think of being considerate of someone else.

Even after we become Christians we have to contend with our sinful nature. Pride is a big factor in arguments. Both parties think they are right and they want it their way. Most arguments have bad endings. They lead to break up of marriages, loss of friendships and even in some cases physical harm.

Some argue to protect a past behavior. Children argue with parents and parents with children over choices made concerning their daily walk. The only way we can conquer our sinful desire to argue is to submit to God and ask Him to take away our pride and change our attitude.

When we know Jesus and put our trust in Him daily, we are expected to do all things without complaining or disputing. This frankly means that arguing should be completely out of our personal relationships. We are to avoid foolish disputes and most of the time, when you look back on an argument, and if you are really honest with yourself it was a foolish dispute. When arguments happen there is very rarely a winner. The scripture tells us that disputes, arguing or complaining is unprofitable and useless.

With all that said, we need to work daily on our relationships with others so that an argument is not an option. It takes two to argue and we need to learn to respond to issues, even issues that normally would ignite an argument for us, kindly and in love. Starting today, seek to live a life that honors God and ask His help in dealing with situations that lead to arguments and broken relationships. Work today on living a life that honors God despite issues that may arise that usually lead you to an argument --- which in turn moves you away from God.

TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER

Give me the strength today dear Lord, to avoid foolish disputes in my life. Help me to live my life today totally without complaining or arguing with someone. May others see Christ through my life and through my response to issues that in the past have led me into an argument. Give my family today wisdom and kindness to react with Love to all they meet. Thank you dear Lord for making this day a day that I can look back on tonight saying that God has blest me in a new and fresh way.