Purpose and Conflict have co-existed since the beginning of time. Likewise, over the ages, people attempt to dodge adversity and look for any avenue around it. Inevitably, if you want to uncover purpose in your everyday life… you must be ready to face conflict!
Conflict, much like lightning, strikes suddenly and usually without warning! Unprepared, it can catch you off guard, generating fear and confusion. Understanding that conflict and purpose go hand in hand, you can be prepared to handle it.
Living in Florida for many years, it was always necessary to be prepared for a hurricane. Having an evacuation plan and hurricane preparation kit was the norm. In doing so, when the storm hit, the plan was automatically put into action, saving valuable time and limiting the negative consequences of being caught vulnerable.
Having a conflict resolution plan is much like creating a hurricane preparation kit; it is the norm for anyone on the journey of discovering their purpose.
Being unprepared for conflict has never prevented the conflict from arising, just as lack of preparation has never prevented a hurricane from developing. A Hurricane can cause tremendous damage when it blows through a community. Likewise, mishandling conflict can cause much harm. Be Alert, be Prepared (1Peter 5:8).
God always prepared His people for battle (Joshua 1:9). Going into battle unprepared is a recipe for disaster. Below are several key principles that belong in your conflict resolution kit.
Conflict Resolution Kit:
- Be willing to meet and discuss the residing conflict with those involved (Acts 15:6).
You cannot resolve what you are unwilling to face. Denial is not an effective means to conflict resolution; rather it is the calm before the storm…a false security.
- Give everyone involved opportunity to speak (James 1:19)
Be willing to LISTEN to all sides of the issue at hand before jumping to conclusions. Be resolved in giving others the benefit of the doubt until all facts are discussed. Leave no room for judgment. Be approachable and open-minded to hear differing opinions.
- Purpose to come to a mutually agreed upon resolution (Romans 12:18).
Being in community with others requires a mutual respect. Be inclined to make peace whenever possible. There must be a willingness to compromise personal desires for the overall good. This does not mean, compromising moral values, but rather giving up your demand to be ‘right’ or have it ‘your way’. Be intentional about your eagerness to reach a common solution.
- Be committed to the outcome (Matthew 5:37).
Upon agreement, be steadfast in adhering to the agreed upon resolution. Honesty is paramount.
- Write down the agreement if necessary, so expectations are clear to everyone (Habakkuk 2:2).
Writing down the agreement gives everyone a point of reference. It no longer is about any one person’s opinion, but rather about the ‘mutual agreement’.
- Whatever you say or do…let it be done in LOVE (1 Corinthians 16:14).
Always say what you mean, mean what you say, but don’t say in meanly. Be clear in your communication, stand behind your convictions, and do not degrade anyone in the process. Love invariably prevails.
Using these principles, and creating your conflict resolution kit, will position you to overcome conflict when it strikes.
Storms of conflict will blow your way; don’t be caught off guard, having a system in place is your best defense. Waiting until a state of emergency is declared, leaves you little time to prepare for a successful outcome.
Conflict arises to distract you from your purpose.
Formulating a conflict resolution plan is a shield against the enemies’ attempts to fluster you, and lead you off course (Peter 5:8).
Damage incurred in conflict can be minimized with a little forethought and preparation.
You are more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37). Conquerors prepare for battle, likewise, you must prepare for conflict.
“I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination” Jimmy Dean.
When conflict strikes…Be Prepared!
-Lucy Ann
Challenge Question:
How has conflict distracted you in the past? Share with us in the comment section below.
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