Conflict is an inevitable part of life. We will have disagreements, even with people who we love. In moments of conflict, it may be helpful to ask ourselves, “What’s my motivation?” In other words, what are we trying or hoping to accomplish?
In Acts 18, a man named Apollos is teaching error, souls are in danger, and two members of the church go into action. In a moment of such great importance, consider how these faithful Christians handled things. Priscilla and Aquila heard Apollos speak and then “took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately” (v. 26). They did not stand up and blast him publically, they did not go on facebook and destroy his reputation, and they did not yell or scream. The Bible tells us they “took him aside” – they spoke to him privately – and they “explained the way of God.”
Their motivation was not to win the argument, to talk louder or faster than Apollos, to shame him into repentance, or to impress a crowd of onlookers. Their motivation was to help Apollos teach God’s word correctly.
Similarly, our motivation, when conflict arises, should not be based in pride or ego…but in sincere humility. What’s your motivation?
Matt Langfield