Genesis 16, Nehemiah 5, Matthew and Acts 15

In Acts 15, we see something that at first seems pretty heartbreaking. After a very successful time of doing ministry together, Paul and Barnabus get into an argument and go their separate ways. It would be easy to think about the destructiveness of fighting among fellow Christians...I could easily write about instances I have seen in the church where petty arguments have led to fractured relationships and church splits...but I want to focus on the positive nature of the argument Paul and Barnabus have. Apparently they strongly disagree with one another about whether John Mark should join them on their next missionary venture...they argue an decide to go their separate ways. Yet in doing so, they each take on the role of mentor for a younger believer and they go to different places doubling the impact of their ministry. Yes, they get in an argument...but they move on...they don't try to stir other people up against their opponent...they get back to God's work. This is what arguments in the church should look like! I work on a church staff, and though we are all close...we do not always see eye to eye...in fact we are rarely all in 100% agreement (Sometimes people have trouble understanding that my way is the best - LOL)...yet, we move forward to do the ministry that God has called us to. Even when there are hard words spoken...even if feelings are hurt...there has to be a moment of clarity in Christian minds when we come back to understanding that there is a greater task to be worked out than trying to get our own way. Human beings argue...people don't always see eye to eye...but if these people are brothers and sisters in Christ, they should be able to walk away from an disagreement without bitterness and with an understanding that there is work to be done in God's Kingdom!