Smoke

I was in a hurry one day as I set up the firewood in our fireplace insert. When
I lit the fire, it was a disaster. To my dismay the fire started but the smoke
went into our rec. room and not up the chimney.

Our chimney has a down draft of cold air, in certain types of conditions. If we
ignore this situation, we will get the room full of smoke because, it will not
draw the smoke up the chimney. To elevate the problem I light one sheet of
newspaper and hold it up the flue to break the cold air barrier. I can then light
the fire and the smoke goes up the chimney with no smoke problem.

Smoke in a room can be like dissension in the church. When it is present,
there is nothing to do but leave.

Usually there is a simple way of preventing church dissension’s . A soft
answer turns away wrath but grievous words stir up anger. Proverbs 15:1.
Talk about the goodness of God and how much Jesus has done for us. Many
times those that want to argue will leave.

The reason why we come together is Jesus. From this point of agreement
hearts are softened and then they are willing to listen to your ideas that they
may not agree with.

With the air of contention out of the way issues may be discussed in a
rational manner and prayer can be offered for the will of God.

Even if no agreement can be obtained with Jesus at the head it is easier to
submit to. At least you can agree to disagree graciously.