There are some people who see a bee hive and very carefully pass it on by. Then, there are others, who see a bee hive, walk over and shake it up, and then flee the scene without giving it another thought. Some folks just like to stir up trouble.
Unfortunately, stirring up trouble is not limited to an activity with a bee hive. Too often, a husband or a wife will tend to stir things up unnecessarily. Children can also be “natural talents” at stirring up matters. And, regrettably, some brethren in the church have a knack for creating a stir wherever they go. Take a few minutes and consider some “stirring” passages, especially from the wisdom of Proverbs.
“A harsh word stirs up anger” (Prov. 15:1). Our words, and the tone with which they are spoken, can have a very harmful impact on others. Perhaps that is why James says, “The tongue is a fire” (3:6). Have you ever said something that, intentionally or unintentionally, stirred up a fire of anger? May God help us to guard our mouths!
“Hatred stirs up strife” (Prov. 10:12). Hatred is such a strong emotion and can cause us to say and do things that, perhaps, we would not normally do. Perhaps that is why John says, “He who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness” (1 John 2:11). Have your emotions ever overtaken your behavior and stirred up strife? May God help us to guard our emotions!
“An arrogant man stirs up strife” (Prov. 28:25, NASB). There is something particularly repulsive about pride. Perhaps that is why the first item that Solomon lists that God hates is “a proud look” (Prov. 6:16). May God help us to guard our attitudes!
“A hot-tempered man stirs up strife” (Prov. 15:18). Short fuses are known for blowing up quite easily and rapidly. Perhaps that is why Solomon said, “He who is quick-tempered exalts folly” (Prov. 14:29). May God help us to guard our tempers!
To help us guards our mouths, God tells us that “a soft answer turns away wrath” (15:1). To help us guard our emotions, God tells us that “love covers all sins” (10:12). To help us guard our attitudes, God tells us that “he who trusts in the Lord” (rather than himself) “will prosper” (28:25). To help us guard our tempers, God tells us that “he who is slow to anger allays contentions” (15:18).
God’s Word is so complete! When He tells us not to stir something up, He tells us how! In your home, in your church family, in your relationships, if you’re looking for something to stir up in others, then “let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works” (Heb. 10:24)! We will be enriched as a result! The church will be enriched as a result!