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Disagreement happens. Disagreement happens in the Bible. There is no shortage of disagreements occurring throughout almost every book in the Bible. On Sunday, Pastor Danny surveyed the terrain of disagreements across the second half of the New Testament. We saw disagreements in Scripture from the Jerusalem leader’s bitter disagreement with Peter to former friends Paul and Barnabas parting ways in ministry.

Disagreement with God is one aspect of disagreement I haven’t considered much in my life. Sure, I know that when I am in sin I must repent of my rebellion against God. Sin as a form of disagreement is an obvious application of this. But what about when we make morally acceptable choices and plans, but God chooses to redirect us. We found an example of this in Acts 16:6-10. Paul tried to go to Bithynia, but the Holy Spirit redirected him and did not allow him to go there.

 How does that apply to me? Are there occasions when I make perfectly acceptable plans to go somewhere or do something that God prohibits me from doing. If so, how do I navigate staying in agreement with God in things that may or may not be moral issues. Here are a few principles that have helped me to apply this concept and navigate the arena of “Does God want me to do this.”

Humility -- I don’t know everything. I am not omniscient. I could lay out the best plans, but my perspective is not perfect. My knowledge is not perfect. My understanding is incomplete. Humility requires that I am willing to acknowledge my true place, including my shortcomings, sinfulness, and finiteness. Paul was willing to forgo his plans and accept last-minute changes because he recognized that what he wanted was not what was most important. I too must embrace this mindset of humility that was also in Christ Jesus (Phil 2:5-8).

Wisdom – Because I don’t know everything, I need wisdom. Needless to say, there are many different opinions, facts, information, polls, and mindsets out there. So then how can I know what true wisdom is? How can I differentiate between God’s wisdom and the wisdom of the world?

James states that wisdom that is from above is characterized by peace. Would the plans and decisions I intend to make lead to peace among brothers? Or do they wreak havoc. Not every wise decision will make everyone happy, but it is contrasted against worldly wisdom which is characterized by bitter jealousy and envy.

Proverbs describes wisdom as flowing from a fear of the LORD.  To fear the Lord means to love Him the most. Jesus describes our love for God to be so great that by comparison our relationship with father and mother is hatred. If our decisions or plans do not stem from a fear of the LORD, then we should hold that wisdom suspect.

Sanctification – God’s will is that I be sanctified. I should be a clean vessel ready and usable by God for his work. Many times, I wonder if I am doing what God wants me to do “Am I going to the right college?” “Do I except this job offer?” “Should I make this large purchase?”. These questions are moot if I am not a usable vessel sanctified for God’s use. Paul demonstrates this priority when downplaying the role of an open door but instead emphasizing the importance of smelling like Christ in ministry (2 Corinthians 2:12-17).

Now that we have worked through these three principles that help us navigate the question “Am I in disagreement with God?” One may notice that these principles can apply also with any disagreements with other people. So, as we go about our lives this week may we rely upon God’s Word to give us guidance as we navigate the disagreements we may encounter.