15 March 2010
Written by Rob Henry, Army of Christ, and Under GODS Command
Smoke Screen
How many times do people used another issue to get to what is really on their mind. Does the term Stop Beating Around the Bush mean anything? Let’s take a look at the Bible, and we will see an example of people who argue over minor disagreements, leaving the real issue untouched. Such was the case when Miriam and Aaron came to Moses with a complaint.
Numbers 12: 1-2,
- 1. Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses because of his Cushite wife, for he had married a Cushite. (It appears that they are concerned about his Cushite wife)
- 2. “Has the LORD spoken only through Moses?” they asked “Hasn’t he also spoken through us?” And the LORD heard this. (Now they jump from his Cushite wife to a sign of Jealousy against Moses)
People often argue over minor disagreements, leaving the real issue untouched. The real issue was their growing jealousy of Moses position and influence. Since they could not find fault with the way Moses was leading the people, they chose to criticize his wife. Rather than face the problem squarely by dealing with their envy and pride, they chose to create a diversion from the real issue. When you are in a disagreement, stop and ask yourself if you are arguing over the real issue or have you introduced a smoke screen by attacking someone’s character. If you’re unjustly criticized, remember that your critics may be afraid to face the real problem. Ask God to help you identify the real issue and deal with it
Under Gods command 