Handling Conflict at Camp
HANDLING Conflict at Camp
Christ - I Cor.10:31b “Whatever you do, do it all to the glory of Christ”. Pause. Pray. Prepare.
Own up to your feelings – No unsigned letters or emails. Don’t shout “I’m not angry!”
Col 3:8-10, Eph 4:29-32
Never jump to conclusions – story of ice-cream on car, story of cleaning lady’s wallet
Follow the Bible –
a) Luke 6:31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.
b) Rom. 12:3 “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought.” Show respect. Do not embarrass.
c) Matt.5:23,24 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in fro not the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. PRIORITY
d) Matt.18:15,16,17 “If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. (Read only v.15 and mention vv.16,17. The purpose is to “win him over”.) PURPOSE
Listen – Larry King – I never learn anything while I am talking. (Reason why teachers are always telling students to stop talking.) Listen and you might find out something important about the other person.
“I” concept – “I” feel this way when you do/say that.
Communicate – Story of woman and “BC”. Be clear and make sure you understand.
Teach others - Help campers do the same thing.
AT CAMP
HANDOUT: HANDLING
C _______________ - I Corinthians 10:31b
O_______________________________ - Colossians 3:8-10; Ephesians 4:29-32
N_______________________________ -
F_________________________ - Attitude (Luke 6:31; Romans 12:3)
Actions - Matthew 5:23,24 (PRIORITY); Matthew 18:15,16,17 (PURPOSE)
L_______________ -
I________________ -
C_________________ -
T_____________________ -
AT CAMP
Illustration:Poor communication can led to all kinds of misunderstandings;
A rather old fashioned lady, was planning a couple of weeks vacation in Florida. She also was quite delicate and elegant with her language. She wrote a letter to a particular campground and asked for reservations. She wanted to make sure the campground was fully equipped but didn’t know quite how to ask about the "toilet" facilities. She just couldn’t bring herself to write the word "toilet" in her letter. After much deliberation, she finally came up with the old fashioned term "Bathroom Commode," but when she wrote that down, she still thought she was being too forward. So she started all over again; rewrote the entire letter and referred to the Bathroom Commode" simply as the "B.C.". Does the campground have its own "B.C.?" is what she actually wrote.
Well, the campground owner wasn’t old fashioned at all, and then he got the letter, he couldn’t figure out what the lady was talking about. That "B.C." really stumped him. After worrying about it for several days, he showed the letter to other campers, but they couldn’t figure out what the lady meant either. The campground owner finally came to the conclusion that the lady was and must be asking about the location of the local Baptist Church.
So he sat down and wrote the following reply:
"Dear Madam: I regret very much the delay in answering your letter, but I now take pleasure of informing you that the "B.C." is located nine miles north of the camp site and is capable of seating 250 people at one time. I admit it is quite a distance away if you are in the habit of going regularly but no doubt you will be pleased to know that a great number of people take their lunches along, and make a day of it..... They usually arrive early and stay late. The last time my wife and I went was six years ago, and it was so crowded we had to stand up the whole time we were there. It may interest you to know that right now, there is a supper planned to raise money to buy more seats.....They plan to hold the supper in the middle of the B.C., so everyone can watch and talk about this great event.....I would like to say it pains me very much, not to be able to go more regularly, but it is surely not for lack of desire on my part....As we grow older, it seems to be more and more of an effort, particularly in cold weather..... If you decide to come down to the campground, perhaps I could go with you the first time you go...sit with you...and introduce you to all the other folks..... This is really a very friendly community.....