The Science of a "Good" Fight

I watched intensely as the trickle increased in volume. Soon, what had started out as a small, steady stream of water became a quickly descending torrent in our side yard. Don't get me wrong...that's what I WANTED to happen. I had spent hours actually trying to make it happen. I had purposefully “released” the barriers upstream. Before I knew it, the water came pouring down the drainage ditch and out into the pond.

As I stood there watching how the water was moving, I couldn't help but think about the science behind it all – how water molecules LOVE each other. They are highly attracted to one another - so much so, that as soon as one H2O molecule screams “PARTY,” thousands of others climb aboard for the ride. It's the same process that causes water to pool in parking lots when it's raining and dance on your windows as you drive through a storm.

It's just plain science. Dam leaks become breaks; streams become rivers; and trickles become torrents. Water simply “pulls itself” along because of the attraction.

That is, unless it's stopped.

In a similar way, arguments “pull themselves” along. The words get louder, and the stances become more demonstrative. Tempers that were flared in the beginning, become incensed and inflamed. Words that were used cautiously at first, become darts shooting straight for the heart.

Proverbs 17:14 says, “The beginning of strife is like releasing water; Therefore, stop contention before a quarrel starts.” Did you see that? Read it again...I'll wait.

Just like water molecules are attracted to one another and love to bond, strife (hurt feelings, angry emotions, fearful expectations) loves more strife. We, as humans, love a good fight. Sad, isn't it? After all, there's really no such a thing as a “good fight.”

But God says, we don't have to fight. We can stop strife, before it “gets ugly.” Pretty wise WORDS, don't you think?

One way our family is practicing this is to ask ourselves an important question: “Is it worth it?” Is the quarrel you are engaging in, or about to engage in, worth it? Is it worth the damage that it will cause the relationship? Is it worth the destruction when the torrent begins? Will good come out of this?

If not, then the altercation must stop. The best way to accomplish this, I've found, is to seal the dam before it breaks. In other words, I bite my tongue (figuratively or literally, if need be) and surrender the situation to Jesus. I don't know about you, but I can't afford, nor do I need a river running through my den or anywhere else for that matter.

So the next time you feel anger welling inside you, remember my ditch. Remember the science behind the flow of water. Remember God saying that the beginning of strife...the very beginning of the argument...is the place where it needs to stop before it gets totally out of control. Remember, and then respond with determination.

Thank You, Father. Thank You that You have given me pictures of life throughout nature. Just like the releasing of water, help me to recognize problems before they start and respond accordingly. Thank You that You will do this for me. I praise You, Father.