Step 5: Flee Temptation
If you do not want to give in to the temptation of conflict, get away from it as fast as you can!
- Focus on your relationship with God.
You get into conflict when you focus on what others have done to upset you. So instead, keep your focus on God and His peace-loving nature. Learn to jump right into prayer when a situation arises that makes you want to fight.
- Latch on to God’s promises.
Find encouraging words in the Scriptures that you can learn from and memorize for times when you are inclined to jump into the fray. Psalm 133 is one eligible passage.
How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony. For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And the Lord has pronounced his blessing, even life everlasting.
- Establish safeguards.
Are there certain things that trigger your tendency to sin through conflict? Of course there are. Take practical precautions to avoid those triggering situations. These are the kinds of things you can try:
• If you like to gossip, avoid people who pass on juicy tidbits to you in the first place.
• If you start arguments when your spouse criticizes something in your behavior, try harder to meet his or her expectations.
• If you joined a committee and seem to always be the center of conflict, resign the committee.
• Ask a trusted Christian friend to hold you accountable in your commitment to not participate in conflict.
- Expect victory.
Every day is a new day. Though you may have slipped into conflict regularly in the past, you can now become a peacemaker with the help of the Prince of Peace. Thank God in advance for the victory He will give.
