Are You a Beaver or an Eagle?

Church relationships can be tricky.

The phrase “busy as a beaver” is spot-on! Beavers are known for their ability to chew and topple an eight-foot tree in about five minutes. These amazing little critters are masters in demolition.

Bald eagles are known for their nests. In one to three months, they can build a nest averaging five feet by five feet and can weigh over five hundred pounds. These remarkable animals are experts in terms of construction.

Building is all about taking raw materials and constructing something sturdy and functional. Destroying is breaking down a unit piece by piece until it’s no longer usable.

Being a part of a church family gives us the opportunity to be a “beaver” or an “eagle” at any given time. The choice of our words play an important role in building others up or tearing them down.

Most of the time, our words encourage construction. However, without even realizing it, our words can easily cause demolition.

Paul tried to help the Corinthian church as they struggled with many divisions and strife.

“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” 1 Corinthians 1:10 (ESV)

Have you ever attended a church where a minor project caused major conflict?

It doesn’t take much for tempers to flare. I attended a church that actually split over the choice of a stained-glass window in the newly built sanctuary.

No church has perfect people, including church leaders. Therefore, most decisions will not be easy or agreeable to all.

We don’t have to be on the same page with every minor decision made in our congregations, but we are called to a code of conduct promoting peace and mutual edification.

The demise of relationships is fueled by snide remarks, negative words, and unhelpful comments. All of it chips away at unity.

Christians are all on God’s team, and we are to work together for His glory. We should conduct ourselves in a positive way that promotes the progress of a common goal.

There are constructive ways to deal with conflict that do not tear others down.

Let’s shoot for being eagles and not those pesky beavers.

For more verses on this subject: Romans 14:19, Ephesians 4:11-13, Psalms 133:1