Word In Life Study Bible
MY WAY OR NO WAY!
Num.16:12
When things don’t go your way, do you pout and dig in your heels? Do you take a stubborn attitude that resists authority and insists on your own way? That’s the response that Dathan and Abiram had to Moses’ invitation to a meeting (Num. 16:12). Moses wanted to settle differences raised by Korah (16:1–3). But Dathan and Abiram refused to show up. Their attitude seemed to be the all-too-common one of “My way or the highway!”
That’s a perilous mind-set to have in any organization or group setting. It puts a chill on communication, stifles constructive dialogue, and poisons everyone’s outlook. It can only lead to more conflict and confrontation, as the dramatic ending of Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and the rest of their band of rebels illustrated (16:31–33, 35).
The tragic outcome of Korah’s rebellion is a lesson in conflict resolution. Stubbornness can be a valuable asset in overcoming obstacles. But when the “obstacle” standing in one’s way is a divinely appointed authority, as Moses was, then resistance is not the right course. How different the outcome might have been if Korah and the others had brought their concerns to Moses and the Lord and discussed them in an open, honest way.
How do you go about resolving conflict and dealing with disappointment? Have you worn out your shoes—and your relationships—by digging in your heels too many times? Why not try a different approach?
Study notes from the Word In Life Study Bible, copyright 1993,1996, by Thomas Nelson, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission. The study notes from the Word In Life Study Bible appearing at this web site are for personal use only.
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