Not My Fight

That was the beginning of a long war between those who were loyal to Saul and those loyal to David. As time passed David became stronger and stronger, while Saul's dynasty became weaker and weaker. (2 Samuel 3:1 NLT)

David now finds himself at war with his own people.  This would be the equivalent, for us, of the Civil War.  Brother was fighting against brother.  The outcome would determine the future of the nation: who would lead and where we would go next.  David, however, didn't pick this fight.  He was simply trying to follow God and live out the calling given to him by God.  He really didn't want this fight, but he was in the middle of it.

I've had many times throughout my life where I've found myself in the midst of a fight for similar reasons.  I try to walk with God and people around me decide to turn that into a fight, even when I have no desire to stir up dissension.  I try to share God's love and people turn that into a fight, even when I try to share in a way that is non-threatening and encouraging.  What should I do when they want to fight?

As the war between the house of Saul and the house of David went on, Abner became a powerful leader among those loyal to Saul. One day Ishbosheth, Saul's son, accused Abner of sleeping with one of his father's concubines, a woman named Rizpah, daughter of Aiah. Abner was furious. "Am I some Judean dog to be kicked around like this?" he shouted. "After all I have done for your father, Saul, and his family and friends by not handing you over to David, is this my reward—that you find fault with me about this woman? May God strike me and even kill me if I don't do everything I can to help David get what the LORD has promised him! (2 Samuel 3:6-9 NLT)

God turned things around in such a way that David didn't need to fight this time.  Dissension began to build in Saul's household because they were not walking with God.  They were being power-hungry and greedy.  The result was chaos.

I've learned over the years that just because someone wants to pick a fight, doesn't mean I need to join them.  Often times it is better to let them "work it out" on their own.  Meanwhile, I continue my walk with God.  They may come around to a place where I have an opportunity to share again.  I may not.  I need to remember that God's team is much bigger than just me.  I need to learn to fight the battles He want's me to fight and leave the others alone.  Sometimes, it's just not my fight.