The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out. — Proverbs 17:14

So given the tension in the world, these words have some real-time application. Just consider what is happening between Russia and Ukraine and China and Taiwan. And then reread the proverb.

It suggests that the pressure of strife is a lot like the pressure that builds behind a dam of water. You can dam up the flow of water for a while, but when the barrier develops a slight weakness resulting in a crack, the water pressure behind this tiny crack is immense. Eventually, it will produce enough force that the flow will be unstoppable. And so strife works the same way.

The lesson is we must address the issue before the weakness is exposed and a crack gives way because even a tiny flow of strife quickly becomes unstoppable — it becomes an unstoppable conflict. So you can watch the news today and see the saga develop between these countries, but we all know the unfortunate fate of the weaker countries. The flow of the strife is imminent.

Fellas, sin produces strife. The sin and selfishness in us produces strife between us and others. The vivid images of what we see on the news illustrate what is produced by the sin and selfishness in our hearts. Sin its strife seeks to divide, conquer, and destroy. And it's a hideous sight.

So today, as you listen and watch the sad saga develop in these far-off countries, be reminded that a dam of hostility and sin brought it on. One that turned one man against another. And remember, there is only One who can bring peace to a sinful and selfish man's heart. His name is Jesus.

For [Jesus] himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility. — Ephesians 2:14

ASK THIS: Where is there strife in your life that you need to address?

DO THIS: Stop the flow of strife before it destroys someone God loves.

PRAY THIS: God, forgive those who wage war from sin and selfishness. Bring them peace.

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