the spirit of strife

The devil has many legions of folks that he has divinely influenced to stir up strife.  For these people it is a perpetual pattern, they just can’t pass up an opportunity to demand attention.  A person who is prone to create strife always demands more than what they’re willing to give.  If they don’t get their way they will become angry and quarrelsome, they will persist until they get their way. 
 
Proverbs 21:19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and angry women.
 
Proverbs 26:21 As wood is to a fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
 
Now we know it requires two people in order to have a manifestation of strife.  If one refuses to participate then the other must carry the burden of strife.  Contention is not an exclusive woman thing, men can be every bit as contentious.  The Scripture teaches that it’s better to dwell in the wilderness, I believe what it tells us is to avoid every opportunity to get into a quarrel.  If a contentious person doesn’t have someone to belittle and argue with they can’t generate strife. 
 
Romans 12:18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.  
 
No matter how hard you try there are some folks you will never be able to please, you can never do enough for them.  They cannot be content unless they are large and in charge, they feel that something is always owed to them.  These folks would never admit it but they are servants of the devil, they are working for him.  These folks are referred to as “high maintenance”, you can wear yourself out trying to keep peace between yourself and them.
 
1 Corinthians 3:3 You are still carnal: for whereas there is among you envy, strife and divisions are you not carnal, and walk as men?
 
Carnal people can be Christians!  They are devoted to their five senses, they have not yet surrendered themselves to the Lord.  They are all about themselves, they do not consider the needs and desires of others.  They will resort to manipulation in order to have their way, some will claim they are about the Father’s business.  If you don’t yield to them they will become angry and use rage to control you.  They will always have a group of select people, that they will never do anything to jeopardize their relationship with. 
 
Proverbs 6:16 These six things does the Lord hate. . .he that sows discord among brethren.
 
Discord or strife is the work of the devil and ignorant people are his prey.  Where people are taught concerning the wiles of the devil, strife has a difficult time trying to find a foothold.  The devil loves to sow discord, step back and watch God’s people wrestle among themselves.  Some Christians have so much pride they are willing to sacrifice the Blessing and continue to fight the wrong enemy.  Brethren let’s not permit the devil to have a place in our lives, not in our homes and not in the house of God.  Let us love the Lord our God with all our heart and our neighbors as ourselves and let God bless us.

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