Introductory Thoughts
In the Christian warfare, there are times where strife is both necessary and right. There are things for which preachers, teachers, moms and dads, and young people need to take a stand even if taking a stand brings about conflict. These particular positions are only to take place in times where the stand is good and profitable unto men (Titus 3:8). Unfortunately, most conflict, especially amongst the religious, falls under a completely different category. It often stems from “foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law” and these strivings “are unprofitable and vain” (Titus 3:9). Before entering into conflict, the believer should question the possible profit gained in such a battle.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Arguing over what kind of fruit Adam and Eve ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil is foolish because the Bible does not say what it was. It is more important to know that they were warned by God; they were disobedient; and their disobedience was punished (Genesis 2:17; Genesis 3:16-19).
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(For everyone): What kind of strife do you find yourself in with other believers? Does it profit either party to be correct? Will it harm either party to be wrong?
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What issues are most important to you? For which ones are you willing to contend? How crucial are these issues in the word of God? Are they worth splitting with other believers?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to help you strive when there is true profit.
- Ask the Lord for wisdom in knowing when to strive.
Song
AM I A SOLDIER OF THE CROSS?
