Word of Life Christian Center

         What a great analogy this scripture gives us! Old water wells used to have a hand pump, and if you wanted water out of it, you would have to do what was called “priming the pump.” Priming the pump involved pumping as hard as you could, over and over and over, until the water finally started gushing out. Once the water started coming, you didn’t have to pump hard anymore because it was already flowing and you definitely could not stop it very easily. It took some time for the water to stop because a suction of great force had been built up in the pipe through all of the pumping that had been done. This is an accurate picture of what this scripture is describing.
         Have you noticed with strife and anger that when they start spewing out of someone’s mouth, it is typically not just one or two sentences? In fact, it is usually not even just about the matter at hand that caused the disagreement. Often, unresolved hurts and issues from the past are also brought up because the fountain of strife is flowing like a primed water pump that doesn’t want to stop. Before we decide to prime the pump of contention and start striving with someone, it is wise to remember Proverbs 20:3, “It is honorable for a man to stop striving, since any fool can start a quarrel.” 
         How does the Word instruct us to stop contention before it escalates to heated anger and fighting? Let us look at James’ answer to this question. He says the key is humbling ourselves before God so that He can lift us up. James also tells us that one way we show humility is by submitting to God and resisting the devil.
         We have personally found in our own marriage and in those we know who have tried this that one of the best ways to humble ourselves before God during an issue of contention is by praying together. Throughout Jesus’ time on earth, He continually went to God to gain strength and direction through prayer. If we follow Christ’s example of prayer, we will also gain strength from God to walk in His love toward our spouse and receive direction to resolve the conflicting opinions. Next time an opposing viewpoint seems to be arising, stop, hold hands, and pray that God will help you to resolve things in a spirit of love and in a way that is pleasing to Him.
      When we as believers submit to God's way of doing things, humbling ourselves before Him and asking for His help, He is faithful to His Word and will help us resolve issues arise. A person (and a couple) with a humble heart is someone God takes great pleasure in!