WISDOM FROM GOD – “STRIVE NOT”

When we look at the world around us, we find a lot of disturbed and broken relationships. There is a lot of bitterness, disunity and disharmony among human beings. Man seems to be fighting one with another. What does the LORD our God, the God of the Bible has to say about strife, bitterness, disunity, disharmony and broken relationships?

Let us look at Proverbs 3:30, as a continuation of our study of Proverbs chapter three. We see the LORD speaking clearly, to the questions above.
– “30 Do not strive with a man without cause, If he has done you no harm.” – Proverbs 3:30

The Word of God speaks to us clearly and unambiguously that, we should not strive with people, without a cause – “DO NOT STRIVE WITH A MAN WITHOUT CAUSE, IF HE HAS DONE YOU NO HARM.” This is the standard to which the LORD Jesus wants us to grow up, as Christians and His disciples.

The teachings of the LORD Jesus in the gospels, are a clear indication about God’s heart and His preferred way of conduct for us, as His “Chosen People” and His children. 
– It is a radical life to which we are called.
– It is a life which the LORD Jesus had subjected Himself to.
– It is a life which the LORD Jesus Himself walked.
– It is a life to which our LORD Jesus is calling us to.

Here under are a few Scriptures for our meditation, encouragement, enlightenment and information. Let us read them carefully, and see what we can learn about strifes and Christian conduct and character.
– “38 “You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.” – Matthew 5:38-39
– “43 “You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” – Matthew 5:43-48

What the LORD Jesus taught through the above verses, is ably supported by the rest of the Word of God. Let us see what the Bible wants to teach us, in regards to our life, our conduct, our character and our lifestyle, as a Christian.

1- DO NOT STRIVE
– “14 The beginning of strife is like releasing water; Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.” – Proverbs 17:14
– “8 Do not go hastily to court; For what will you do in the end, When your neighbor has put you to shame? 9 Debate your case with your neighbor, And do not disclose the secret to another;” – Proverbs 25:8-9

2- INSTEAD PURSUE PEACE WITH EVERYONE
– “17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12:17-21

3- STRIFE IS A HINDRANCE TO OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE
– “14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: 15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;” – Hebrews 12:14-15

4- STRIFE IS INCONSISTENT WITH CHRISTIAN CHARACTER
– “12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” – Colossians 3:12-15
– “23 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. 24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient,” – 2 Timothy 2:23-24

Such teaching is not very popular these days. Many teach that we should take the legal recourse in matters of dispute. I personally think, the LORD is asking us to go beyond that, and be non-resistant in our thoughts, words and deeds. Many times, I know, it is easier said than done. This is the reason why I say, “I personally believe.”

What the LORD taught, I personally think, has to be taken as it is, without adding any of our personal interpretation to it. What the LORD Jesus taught, if taken literally may appear as irrational and not very sensible. However, I personally would prefer to walk literally, on all what the LORD Jesus has taught during His earthly ministry. This is ably supported by other verses of the Bible. I prefer so because…
– This is what the disciples did.
– This is what the early Christians did.
– This is what many a child of God had done all through the history of the Church.
– Whenever the Christians were “irrational” in following the LORD uncompromisingly, and without “diluting” the message of the LORD Jesus, they had great success.
– Does this indicate to us something very basic and fundamental about our faith and walk as a Christian in this world?

Let us not insist that everyone follow the same pattern as the disciples and the early Christians did. I personally will follow in their footsteps. Prayerfully, each of us, let us make up our hearts and minds as to how we wish to walk in this world. Would we follow what the Bible says in Proverbs 3:30 – “30 Do not strive with a man without cause, If he has done you no harm.” – the teachings of the LORD Jesus, and the disciples and the early Christians? The choice is for us to make individually. Even so, the LORD help us.