The Cure for Conflict

To quote Obi-Wan Kenobi, “You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy.” Where is this hive he speaks of? Most people assume it’s Mos Eisley? But they would be wrong. It’s X (the website formerly known as Twitter).

While X still has some interesting content, one thing remains constant: conflict. I have never seen an app that pushes people’s buttons like it does. I suspect the algorithm is designed to encourage conflict and rage bait. After all, conflict fuels engagement, and engagement means advertising dollars.

If you post something normal, almost no one will see it. But post your spiciest hot take, and you will get some traction. While I burned out on internet debates in my late twenties, to this day, some people thrive on them. I think the attention is addictive. The more controversial and inflammatory they can be, the better it is... at least from their perspective.

It’s sad to see people who call themselves Christians get caught up in bickering, backbiting, name-calling, and quarreling. We may shrug off this behavior as just how it is on the internet, but the Scriptures are clear: that kind of lifestyle is incompatible with Christianity.

In Romans, Paul warns the church about sins to avoid. He lists quarreling alongside drunkenness, murder, sexual immorality, God-hatred, and jealousy. Then he says that those who practice such things deserve death! Wow. Being quarrelsome is no joke.

Maybe your life isn’t like X (At least, I hope it isn't!), but I bet you still deal with conflict. Perhaps it's at work, school, home, or even with friends. Conflict is a part of life, but it doesn’t have to destroy our relationships. This week, we turn to the ancient wisdom of Proverbs to learn how to manage conflict and avoid being quarrelsome.

Plus, this is a super special week! We’re baptizing five people! I pray you’ll join us tomorrow for worship.