Conflict

I read this today in a book entitled "Well Intentioned Dragons" by Marshall Shelly.

What types of personalities generally stir up conflict? There are 8 types of potential conflict personalities:

• Bird Dogs - They sniff out items for your attention
• Wet Blankets - They have a negative view of every situation
• Entrepreneurs - View ministry as a great "network" for their business, sales, or dating life
• Captain Bluster - To them, every sentence ends with an exclamation point!
• Fickle Financiers - They vote with their offering - withholding or giving
• Busybodies - They love to tell others how to do their jobs
• Snipers - They pick off the leadership in private conversations
• Bookkeepers - They keep written record of offenses

Conflict usually happens because of four reasons: 1. Doctrinal differences, 2. Moral differences, 3. Cultural differences, and 4. Personal differences.

We must be peacemakers - rightly upholding the Truth of Scripture and the Vision/Mission of our Church while loving and helping those who stir up conflict. We must confront conflict and those who bring it with Truth in Love. Remember - there is a TON more that unites us than separates us. We must walk in unity and resolve conflict. We must not compromise Scripture, Christ-like character, the Church or our calling to please any of these personality types.

"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." - Ephesians 4:1-5 NIV