Judges 8:1. “And the men of Ephraim said unto him, ‘Why hast thou served us thus, that thou calledst us not, when thou wentest to fight with the Midianites?’ And they did chide with him sharply.”
ARGUMENTS. At times it is after the action, and the victory is already won – That arguments arise over who gets credit for all that is done. Is it better to be out in front, where the battle is hot and fierce? Or is the real work done in the “clean up” that may take many years? Both jobs are really important only the one gets all the glory – But if the other one isn’t done, then that’s a different story. It is not worth making a fuss or arguing over which one is so great – All that produces is bad feelings and no one can win that debate. Give credit where credit is due, no matter who gets the praise – Enjoy the results together, and move together to better days.
Pride demands recognition, it has a way to separate friends. Even when the result benefits all, each seems to have a different end. The objective is to defeat the enemy, not to be lifted up on high – Just be ready to help regardless; don’t be like a child and cry That you have been treated unfairly so you are going away to sulk – Stand firmly united as one, and be happy when God gives results. After all, it’s God’s work we are doing and He will surely prevail – He knows what needs to be done and what each one’s work entails. Give God all the recognition and glory; He can bring good out of bad – In that way we can rejoice, instead of arguing - that makes every one sad.
Small things as well as big can each stumble and trip up our life in one day – Leaving us consequences to live with, as well as a big price to pay. Failure to trust God completely can create problems even between brothers, And from two in an argument comes, division that reaches to others. Whatever creates a stumbling block or hinders, victory and a united front – Get rid of it and resolve to avoid anything that united growth will stunt. Plan ahead well in advance, what the consequences perhaps will be – Because even a good idea, might bring a bad problem or ideology. Spiritual growth and freedom don’t necessarily come because a motive is good – Negative results can be averted when by God’s plan we follow those who lead.
“O God who knows the thoughts and intents of every heart: may I ever be on guard against anything that would bring arguments into the midst of God’s people. I know I need to keep before me the goals that are scriptural and not some much the way my
plan to reach the goals differ from that of others. Help me to be ready to consider their view and be ready to change mine if necessary. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”