“It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.” ‬‬

Avoiding strife is not always easy. Some people seem irresistibly drawn to it. Others seem born to instigate it. While the world sometimes calls those who avoid strife cowards, I have always seen something admirable in those who, though fully capable of handling conflict directly, choose to walk away. Jesus was this kind of person on Good Friday. He didn’t walk away—He couldn’t; He was under arrest. But He actually could have. He was goaded by His persecutors and yet did not respond. I even get the sense that Pilate was looking for a reason to release Him. When Jesus said nothing in response to the accusations of the chief priests and elders, Pilate was surprised—and chose not to act. Part of the reason a person walks away from strife is because they see the bigger picture. Jesus did not fight His accusers or murderers because He understood what was truly happening. As the preacher says, “It was Friday, but Sunday was coming.” We, too, have the ability to live with the big picture in mind. As we follow the resurrected carpenter, we recognize that a whole Biblical worldview is playing out across the universe—and within our individual lives. Fights, strife, and quarrels, whether momentary or prolonged, are temporary. Resurrection is forever. Today, we take our eyes off the immediate and focus on the eternal. Today, follow your risen leader. #BeTheEdge

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬