What a difference it makes in conflict when we view it from our position with Christ Jesus in the heavenly realms. Because of Jesus’ resurrection, we, who were dead in our sins, are raised to new life in Him. Spiritually we are right now seated with Him in the heavenly realms. That puts us above all the pettiness, self-centered ambitions, and worldly pride that leads to quarrelling and conflict. We can rise above conflict because of His resurrection power. It gives us perspective and a higher motivation for resolving our differences.
Perspective Gained for Conflict When Living in Accordance with Resurrection Power
Seated with Christ Jesus in the heavenly realms, we have a firsthand view of His grace. When we truly grasp the significance of God’s grace, we tend to show that grace to others — a much needed quality in times of conflict.
And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. (Eph. 2:6-7)
To gain an even better understanding, let’s look back at the verses leading up to Ephesians 2:6-7. There we see what our lives were driven by pre-resurrection, apart from the grace of God. It won’t take much thought to realize the effects of that way of life on conflict. Because of resurrection power, however, that doesn’t have to be the position from which we relate to one another. Our new life in Him, seated with Christ in the heavenly realms, gives us the ability to rise above conflict and help rather than hinder reconciliation.
V. 1 – “you were dead in your transgressions and sins”
We had nothing to offer to one another because we were driven by our old, self-centered sin nature. — Living from our raised position in Christ we have a lot to offer. Now we’re compelled by love from which we extend compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness (Col. 3:12-14).
v. 2 – “you followed the ways of this world”
Conditioned by the world around us, we could find ourselves politically driven to get ahead no matter the cost which often meant manipulating people to get our way. — From our raised position in Christ, integrity and holiness mark our dealings with people. We’re more concerned about doing God’s will and pleasing Him than being right and getting our own way. We don’t conform to the world but rather are transformed by the renewing of our minds (Rom. 12:1-2).
v. 2 – “you followed … the ruler of the kingdom of the air”
Deceived by the devil into thinking we’re our own god, we found ourselves driven by pride and a need to make ourselves look better. Coming out on top therefore might have required false accusations, deception, and lies just like those used by the “father of lies” (Jn. 8:44). — Seated with Christ in the heavenlies, we see through the ploys of the devil. We speak truth to each other since we “have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator” (Col. 3:8-10).
v. 3 – “gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts”
When it’s all about making ourselves feel good, we’re driven by our own neediness. — Having been raised with Christ, however, we see His example of selfless, sacrificial servanthood which is more concerned about the needs of others. We therefore, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Phil. 2:3-4)
Having been raised with Christ, driven by grace, mercy, and love, we can rise above conflict. We have a higher motivation, better perspective, and the power we need.
For More, Go To: Conflict Management & Resolution Resources
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