It Only Takes a Spark

So many problems in life could be alleviated if they were taken care of when first noticed, rather than waiting until something blew up into something much bigger. As a parent, if we don't take care of disobedience in our children at the first sign of it, it will develop into something much worse down the road - then we will be left wondering how to fix the problem and it will often be too late.  Nip it in the bud from the beginning, instead of ignoring that little spark!

Whether it's a problem in the workplace, in a relationship....anything, it never is helpful to let things go and not take care of the problem.  Peacemaking is not ignoring problems.  Avoiding conflict only makes things worse.  Conflict, tension, irritability comes from not taking care of things that need to be taken care of.  Nothing good comes from procrastinating.  Being a true peacemaker is taking care of things within your control, not leaving them to fester and build up.

 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. 14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; 

Hebrews 12:7-15