Sermon On Conflict & Freedom

Lao Tzu, also known as Laozi, an ancient Chinese philosopher once remarked: “In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple. In conflict, be fair and generous. In governing, don't try to control. In work, do what you enjoy. In family life, be completely present.” James 4:1-2 reminds us: “What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask.”

Conflict is defined as a serious disagreement or argument with another, typically a protracted one. It includes such altercations as disputes, quarrels, disagreements or even war. Some people thrive on conflict or the thought of it, to such an extent that they are unhappy in life if they cannot find suitable circumstances in which to create it. This disorder is commonly referred to as High Conflict Personality or HCP. Some people deem conflict as the norm and often glean much self-satisfaction and even reward during and at the conclusion of each episode. Some even consider it as a therapy for stress release. It can become the focal point in certain relationships where couples are in dire need to frequently vent their pent-up feelings and emotions. To add insult to injury, a verbally abused recipient may even be blamed for instigating the flare-up, even though they had nothing to do with it.

Life is never straightforward. Disharmony can occur in the best of families. Siblings often quarrel with each other over minor or sometimes major issues even though in their hearts they may love and respect one another. Genesis 25 tells the story of the relationship between the fraternal twins Esau and Jacob and the conflict that ensues between their descendant nations. Even from the time in the womb, the two competed in a power struggle. After birth, Jacob persistently outwits his older brother and successfully robs him of his birthright by persuading him, through hunger, to sell his birthright for a morsel of bread and some lentil stew. Things eventually culminate in Esau vowing to kill his brother, until the mother intervenes and sends Jacob away to allow Esau to cool down. Proverbs 15:1 confirms: “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Independence Day, also called the Fourth of July, is an annual celebration held in the United States representing nationhood. It signifies the establishment of the United States of America and its separation and independence from Great Britain. Independence Day arose from the American Revolution which began in 1775 that created tension between residents of Great Britain's North American colonies and the colonial government which represented the British crown. Fracas' between British troops and colonial militiamen eventually developed into a full-scale war for independence. The Declaration of Independence was drafted by the Continental Congress and published on July 4th 1776. Thomas Jefferson, amongst others, is reputed to have consulted and agreed on the original format of the important document which eventually provided the freedom to its citizens from the ties with the Kingdom of Great Britain.

Mobile Scooters can also provide an element of freedom for the elderly or those who are unfortunate enough to experience a degree of physical infirmity. A parameter of independence is imperative in life if one suffers restrictions in bodily movement due to significant health issues. It allows a person to venture out on their own accord without the reliance of another. It re-affirms freedom after an unwanted feeling of imprisonment.

A mobility scooter is defined as an electric vehicle that is deemed equivalent to a battery-powered mobility aid. It was first introduced in 1954 and was identified as an electric wheelchair. It has a single seat, sometimes more, to carry one or more persons on three or more wheels. It usually features footplates or a platform on which to rest the feet with handlebars to steer the vehicle while travelling. A single seat may have the capability to swivel to provide versatility and ease of access for the occupant. They are easily manoeuvrable to provide accessibility in confined spaces with the choice of functions of both forward and reverse movement. The latest models available are usually high-powered with a long battery life and may include such controls as a speed limiter, lights, horns and indicators to show the intended proposal of direction. Class 3 category scooters in the United Kingdom have an official speed limitation of four miles per hour for off-road usage and eight miles per hour on the public highway. However, these speeds may need to be reduced according to prevailing circumstances.

A story is told of an incapacitated man who was given a fold-away mobile scooter as a present from his loving daughter. His wife had passed away some ten years earlier. He had an aggressive nature as he generally felt lonely and also felt that life had treated him harshly. He believed that he did not warrant or deserve his infirmity, so why should he be the only one to suffer in life. He had become depressed as a whole as he was no longer capable of venturing out on his beloved usual daily walks to a park located nearby. He had a full-time female carer come nurse who assisted in his daily needs in the home, but they did not have a good relationship and constantly quarrelled over petty things. The scooter provided much freedom for the constrained man. His carer felt that he was a danger to others when he drove his scooter, as he possessed no previous driving skills whatsoever. He was often erratic in his steering actions and would sometimes go backwards instead of forwards. He often indicated the wrong direction with the indicators which made it difficult for others to decipher his actual intended movements. His hapless movements often resulted in many minor dents and bodywork scrapes to the scooter itself.