Monday... He sometimes uses disagreement. He really does.

Over in the Acts of the Apostles in the NT, there came up two points of disagreement that were used for good by God.

One was the disagreement over whether new believers should be circumcised which was a requirement of the law of Moses before Jesus death and resurrection. Acts 15:1-2 (NLT) says, "When Paul and Barnabas were at Antioch of Syria. some men from Judea arrived and began to teach the believers: 'Unless you are circumcised as required by the law of Moses, you cannot be saved.' Paul and Barnabas disagreed with them, arguing vehemently." Now this disagreement needed to be faced with so many Gentiles coming to the faith. They needed to see how Jesus death and resurrection made a major difference in the law. A new view of the law came into view and it needed to be dealt with and redefined. Verse 4 says, "So the Apostles and elders met together to resolve this issue." So they dealt with this difficult issue. It started with an disagreement.

And then in verse 36-38 it says, "After some time Paul said to Barnabas. 'Let's go back and visit each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are doing. Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and not continued in their work."

Then verses 39-40 says, "There disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus. Paul chose Silas, and as he left, the believers entrusted him to the Lord's gracious care. Then he traveled throughout Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches there." They got more done through their disagreement.

We really do need each other. In our families and our churches, we need each other and disagreement doesn't need to tear us apart. God can use it to get us headed in the right directions. As my dad used to say, "Contrary winds can direct us to God's desired destination." We need to stop and listen to the other side and then see if and how the Holy Spirit is using it.

Remember, if we always agree and never disagree then one of us isn't necessary. God uses disagreement to keep us on track and make us more efficient. He sometimes uses disagreement. He really does. Yes, yes! #otdaysbeginning.

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