We are living in times of polarization and conflict. We see this in families, we see it in the Church at large, and we see it in our nation. The bonds of fellowship are strained or broken, and open turmoil can break out with the slightest provocation. Our time is not unique in this respect; this has happened over and over again in history. And, as the observer once said, the only thing we learn from history is that we don’t learn from history. But this is too cynical.
We must not shrug our shoulders in apathetic despair. God calls us, in times of conflict, to be good stewards of that conflict. He expects us, like the servants in the parable of the talents, to turn a profit on what He has given to us. We serve the one who causes all things to work together for good. This means, in part, that He expects us to be workmen together with Him in this. When something happens that a carnal man would see as a disaster—a slander, a false accusation, a provocation to fight—those who are walking with God are enabled to rejoice in what God has sent, to be content in it, and to therefore turn a profit on it. We must not say that we would turn a profit if He gave us something valuable—ten talents, say. He has given us what His infinite wisdom declares to be most valuable. It is our job, trusting Him, to make it more valuable.
Giving way to bitterness or competitive comparisons is not the kind of profit He is looking for. What is it to you if the fellow across the street of conflict is losing his money? What is it to you how he does so? Pointing out that he is not making a profit is not the same as turning a profit yourself. Confess bitterness. Rejoice. Be content. Return to the task in front of you. The master is the one who evaluates the servants, and when He does so, it will not be on the principles advanced during the squabbles and bickering arguments between the servants.
When someone else is petty, it is petty to be consumed with that. What is that to you? You follow Christ.