The Key To Harmony In A Contentious World

Harmony:

Compatibility in opinion and action

A state or atmosphere of  mutual civility and respect

Unity:

The state or quality of being in accord; harmony.

A combination or union thus formed.

Singleness or constancy of purpose or action; continuity:

There is nothing more powerful than a husband and wife unified in their marriage and parenting goals.

Unity in the home, at church, or at work can create an environment where even though there may be points of disagreement,  issues can be worked through in a God honoring way.  When we refuse to listen to 

God and others and focus on our own agenda and ambitions, topping it off with self focus and pride, communication, and relationships can become very difficult and contentious.When it comes to relationships there is no relationship more important than the one we have with God. He has told us how we are to live with others. Most importantly we are to represent Christ, showing others that we are truly His disciples.

To help us live out our Christ-likeness, here is some great Godly wisdom for us to take to heart:

James 3:14-20 NIV

But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth

Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you 

have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.  But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

Colossians 3:12-15 NIV

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

One of the greatest struggles we all deal with is our sense of  pride.  I am talking more about

arrogant or disdainful conduct or treatment; haughtiness.  An excessively high opinion of oneself; conceit.

The belief that we are somehow superior and smarter than everyone else. An unwillingness to admit we are

wrong.  Boastful and self-centered.  A lack of humility. You get the idea.

The Bible says this about pride:

Proverbs 11:2 NIV 
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

Proverbs 13:10 NIV  
Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.

Proverbs 16:18 NIV  
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 29:23 NIV  
A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor.

Proverbs 16:5 NIV 
The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.

James 4:6 NIV   
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." ( Proverbs 3:34)

 
There have been many times my pride-fullness has reared its ugly head. But because God disciplines me out of love, and His grace continues to be offered, His correction humbles me and restores the harmony I have tainted with my sin. My part in this is that I felt the anguish of my transgression and therefore did pray for God's help and forgiveness. Every time I do this God restores me.  He gives me the wisdom and strength to to get back on track. The principle is this: Every time I take a step toward God confessing my sin while putting away my prideful self through humble recognition of the fact, God was willing to make my path straight, filling me up with the Holy Spirit thereby changing my heart.

If you happen to find yourself being stubborn and prideful take a step back and ask God for help:

Romans 12:12 NIV 
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Philippians 4:6 NIV 
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,

present your requests to God.

Colossians 4:2 NIV  
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

James 5:13 NIV   

 Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.

James 4:2 NIV  
You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want.

You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God.

James 1:5 NIV   
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

1 John 5:14 NIV 
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

Luke 11:9 NIV  
"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

In music, harmony is a beautiful thing. In order to achieve harmony in life we have to be tuned into God’s design for relationships.  We need to start with our relationship with God in order to have the tools and 

the desire to harmonize with Him and with our fellow human beings. When we see others through God’s eyes, when God’s Word is alive in each of us, we have the key to unlock the door to living an abundant life.

We can be a blessing to others by taking to heart God's principles for relationships. By our obedience in this area we show love to our gracious Lord who deserves the pinnacle of our deepest devotion.

So, lets confess our sins and remember to pray:

James 5:16 NIV  
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.

The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

Let's live out God's Principles:

James 1:22 New International Version 1984

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says

Let's be obedient to God by loving Him and others :

Mark 12:29-31 New International Version 1984 

 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.  Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

With just these few primary principles in mind, through the power of a Spirit filled life, we can achieve harmony and unity with God and our fellow man.

Just Sayin…………………..Dave