I took a trip on Friday with my lead pastor and the man who discipled me, to share the ministry of discipleship with a church in the Kenton Ohio area.  As we were traveling to our appointment, we had many good discussions.  One of the topics mentioned was the concept of giving away the things God has given to us.

Typically in this tangible world, as we give our things away, it leaves less for us.  However, when it comes to the good news of Christ, it is not like this at all.  The Bible tells us that God specifically gives us insight into His word and comforts us in our times of need so that we will share these things with others.  (2 Timothy 2:2, 2 Corinthians 1:1-4)  Are we sharing what we have been given?  Or are we like the selfish two year old; who, though he has no intention of playing with a certain toy, still refuses to share it with others?

As we give His love and truth away, it will spread just as He intended it to from the beginning.  Let’s give it away!

What is a rival?  Websters defines a rival as:  “a person who is competing for the same object or goal as another, or who tries to equal or outdo another; competitor”.  Another definition describes a rival as:  “a person or thing that is in a position to dispute another’s preeminence or superiority”.  How do we define our rivals?  The Bible tells us plainly that “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places”.  Do we underestimate the power of our rivalry?

It is so easy to become lulled to sleep in the comfort and complacency of modern convenience.  To become apathetic about the world that surrounds, yet never seems to touch, our isolated lives.  To daily begin the game without truly understanding the strength of our enemy.

I believe that it is time to wake up!  It is time to understand that we face a real foe; he is likened to a “roaring lion seeking whom he may devour”, and is our greatest rival.  He is competing to be the god of our lives and to have preeminence over this world.  We must never make the mistake of underestimating exactly how powerful, cleaver, and subtle he is.  We must live obedient lives with the discernment and wisdom that only comes from God, escaping the snares of our adversary the devil.  Then, and only then will we find victory in this life!

I have the incredible privilege to serve as one of the coaches on my boys flag football team this fall.  Now for those of you who have never watched K – 1st graders play organized football, let me assure you it is a blast to “watch”!  However, coaching is sometimes a different story.

As in any aspect of life, managing others can often be more of a challenge than just performing the task yourself.  Therein lies the true test:  are we able to pass along what we have learned to those younger than ourselves?  If we fail this test, not only will the next generation suffer, but all of our wisdom and experience will die with us.  Perhaps this is the most important thing that God has given us to do – to pass His ball successfully to the next generation so that they can run with it!

These little guys are teaching me so many life lessons through the simple game of football.  I can’t wait to share them with all of you.

Galatians 6:1  Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

2 Timothy 2:24-25  And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

Colossians 3:12-14   Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.   And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

So what is the key element to healthy conflict?  A loud voice, red face, or pointed finger?  No, none of these will aid in restoring relationships; instead God tells us that meekness is the most important attribute when successfully handling conflict.  It is when we are able to address difficult situations with meekness that our conflicts can be successfully resolved  (re-solved).  Conflict for the sake of conflict, without any meekness or solution, is very unhealthy and will never lead to reconciliation.