Getting to the real problem

Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest. Luke 22:24 (NKJV)

Every time there is a conflict with a person there is a problem and if you think differently then that is another problem.

However, the temptation is to think it is the conflict that is the problem and if you could just resolve the conflict everything would be fine.  Nothing could be further from the truth, the conflict only reveals the fact there is a problem.

Jesus understood this principle when he confronted his disciples over their “what will be the pecking order in Jesus’ kingdom” dispute (see Luke 22:24-27).  What the pecking order was going to be was not really the problem; the problem was the fact that they were even worried about the pecking order.

Conflicts are like those dashboard warning lights in your car.  Ignore the signal and the conflicts will only get worse and eventually leave you stranded on the side of the road somewhere.

But if you will pay attention to the conflict and “look under the hood” to see what the real issue is then you can save yourself a lot of headache and heartache and keep your life moving forward.

So the next time you have a conflict with someone see it as a little red light flashing on the dashboard of your life—it is telling you that something (or someone) needs your attention and care.  It is telling you that you need to stop something or start something different.

Remember, the little red warning light (the conflict) is not the problem; it is what is going on under the hood (your heart) that is the issue; do the maintenance work that is required and you will be back up and running before you know it.

• The ONE THING for today: Conflicts are an opportunity for change. With every conflict you have a choice; you can make the conflict a “me against them” issue or an “us against the real problem” issue.

“Conflict should be seen not as a dreaded enemy, but as a necessary tool for optimum achievement in any walk of life.” _Steven K. Scott, The Richest Man Who Ever Lived, p. 126