Series: Action [#195]
HOW TO ENJOY LIFE- DEALING WITH CONFLICT
Philippians 2:1-8
Introduction:
One of the greatest hindrances to enjoying life is conflict in our relationships. How do you deal with conflict? Unity is key to having a fulfilling and enjoyable life. Very little is accomplished in life by yourself. When there is unity, powerful things can happen. The problem is simply that people do not always get along. How do you reduce conflict and increase unity?
Philippians 2:1-2
Paul gives us 4 things that are necessary to having unity:
* "Be like-minded."
* "Have the same love."
* "Be one in spirit."
* "Be of one mind."
Our text today gives us practical steps to getting along with one another.
Philippians 2:3
James 4:1-2
Deal with conflict by…
1. Not being selfish.
The Bible tells us to stop doing certain things so that you do not destroy your relationships. We must stop being selfish and here are some ways to do that.
Stop…
* Fighting for your own way.
How often when you are fighting with someone do you fight for your own way? The answer is probably, “Often”. Have you noticed that the people you usually fight with are the people that you are the closest to? Instead of complementing each other, we compete with each other. Competing desires always leads to conflict.
Our society teaches us instant gratification. When my needs conflict with your needs, we have trouble. We live in a very competitive world. If you want to have unity, you must stop fighting for your own ways and value others above yourself.
Proverbs 13:10
Proverbs 16:18
Stop…
* Being prideful.
Your personal pride can be your downfall. Scripture tells us that your pride leads to your destruction and fall. Don't do things just to gain praise or glory from others. You need to lose your ego. Sometimes that means that you need to admit when you are wrong. Sometimes that means that you do not know everything. Pride brings conflicts and destroys relationships.
James 4:11-12
Stop…
* Being critical.
When Paul says, "Value others above yourself", he is not saying that others are superior to you. Paul is telling us that people are worthy of respect. Paul tells us to not put people down and treat them better than yourself. When you are critical of others, you are in danger of thinking that you are better than others.
Humility is not thinking less of yourself; but not thinking of yourself at all. Your focus is not on you; it is on other people. Anytime I judge somebody else, I am playing God. Who are you to judge your neighbor? You do not know their motives and their background. Anytime I am critical of somebody else with a judgmental attitude, I am playing God. The problem is that it is fun to criticize. We like to criticize and pick out faults of other people because it makes us feel superior. We think we build ourselves up by putting other people down. The Bible says the exact opposite. If you want to get rid of conflict in your life, decrease criticism. Stop judging other people.
Philippians 2:4
Deal with conflict by…
2. Considering others’ interests.
Don't just be interested in your own things. Pay attention to the needs of other people. Look and listen is how you pay consideration. When God puts someone on your heart, act on that- Pray for them. Encourage them. Consider their needs above your own.
Philippians 2:5-8
Deal with conflict by…
3. Being like Jesus.
Jesus was a master at relationships. He is our model and a great example. If you want to know how to get along with people, even those who are hard to get along with, look at Jesus. You are to have the same attitude that Jesus had. What was his attitude?
He was willing to sacrifice for the benefit of others. Jesus, (Who is God the Son) left Heaven and took the form of man. He lived on this Earth, worked as a carpenter with Joseph, most likely was the head of His Earthly household after Joseph died, and then began His Earthly ministry at 30 years old. Jesus led the 12 Apostles, had many followers, changed people’s lives; and was rewarded by being crucified on a cross. On that cross, He became the sin of the World- Past, present, and future. God the Father could not even look at His Son because of sin. Jesus died, went to Hell (where He had victory over evil), and on the 3rd day arose physically from the dead.
Conclusion:
Jesus did all of that so mankind could be redeemed from the sin that was leading them all to eternal punishment. If you want to deal with conflict the right way, just look to Jesus- He is the example.
