FOLLOW THE LEADER
and every city or household divided against itself will not stand’
(Matt. 12:25).^25
- We should never procrastinate in dealing with a conflict. As long as
conflict exists we are harboring hostility toward others. This violates
the Scriptures which tell us, “If you are angry, don’t sin by nursing
your grudge. Don’t let the sun go down with you still angry –
get over it quickly; for when you are angry you give a mighty
foothold to the devil” (Eph. 4:26-27 LB). 26
- Always keep in mind that conflict provides an excellent opportunity
to serve those involved in the problem. And be committed to resolving
the conflict quickly. The longer the conflict drags on, the more difficult
it is to develop satisfactory solutions. Also, take the initiative in
confronting those involved; don’t wait for them to come to you. And
finally, keep your emotions under control. Remember, hostility is always
present in conflict. The more hostility you display, the more angry and
hostile the others involved will become. 27
2. CONFRONTATION:
- Afraid to confront the problem, we convince ourselves that Jerry isn’t
so bad or that we can maneuver around him. So we move on only
to curse ourselves later for not dealing with the issue. In this kind
of situation remember the following: Personnel problems that can
be ignored during easy times can cause serious trouble in a
tougher, faster-moving, globalizing economy.^28
- A change agent is...one with the courage...to face the music today so
there may be singing tomorrow. He speaks out against our inertia-
driven methodologies and politically-minded priorities. She explains,
persuades, and cajoles, unafraid to be challenged in return or to
commit herself to the mandates of her own program.^29
- When a difficult situation required his attention, he dipped his pen in
tears, not acid. “For I wrote to you out of great distress and anguish
of heart” (2 Corinthians 2:4)...^30
- Discipline is yet another responsibility of the leader, a duty often
unwelcome. Any Christian society requires godly and loving discipline
