Once you find yourself in a fight, be relentless.
ADAGE
Be Relentless
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RESPONSE
Once you find yourself in a fight, be relentless. Bring it to closure quickly. The longer it drags on, the more costly it becomes. If it becomes clear you will lose a battle, retreat. There is no valor in absorbing needless injury. Know when to cut your losses. Know how to retreat. When you retreat, retreat like a wounded lion—give your opponent reason to advance with caution. Conflict can manifest in various forms, including, but not limited to, violence, warfare, market competition, political clashes, religious disputes, lawfare, and more. As Christians, we view conflict through a different lens and must discern when to engage and when not to. A simple decision for a secular enterprise can become quite complex for a Christian leader. The goal with all people is peace. Do what you can to be at peace with everyone and resist conflict as much as possible, except for the conflict that comes from obeying God rather than men. Ruthlessly pursue reconciliation, for God commands us to love everyone as He loves everyone.
SCRIPTURE
Ephesians 4:31-32 (ESV) Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
1 Samuel 17:50 So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.
Luke 22:36 He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.”
QUESTIONS
How do the Scripture(s) apply to the business adage?
Does “turn the other cheek” mean that you never fight back? Explain.
Being a shepherd means that you have the responsibility of ensuring the safety and security of your flock. Your location has been damaged by riot, and criminal activity is increasing. Do you allow employees to carry weapons to defend themselves? Why or why not?
What is the meaning of Luke 22:36?
DOWNLOAD
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