Confrontation - Growth?

The definition (WordNet, dictionary.com) of confrontration offers a spectrum of meaning ranging from the more positive (a focused comparison; bringing together for a careful comparison) to the more negative (discord resulting from a clash of ideas or opinions). More often, we likely view the term as negative. In fact, when faced with confrontation, we probably are more likely to choose its antonym -- avoidance (Roget's New Millennium™ Thesaurus, thesaurus.com) as a response. I know that I personally struggle with this.

But I recently became convicted that by avoiding confrontation, I may also be running from an opportunity to be used by God to bring about growth in someone's life, including my own. In a conversation with a fellow believer, he made the observation that Romans 8:28 applies to all believers, not just to me. I knew this, but I wasn't really living it. Sometimes we may be that tool that God wants to use to work "for the good of those who love him …" By fearing or avoiding the confrontation, I'm not trusting God, but rather I'm leaning on my own flawed understanding.

Priscilla and Aquila apparently understood this concept of confrontation for growth. The couple, traveling with Paul, were left behind in Ephesus. God was working through his timing to have this couple available to provide correction to a fellow believer. The story unfolds in Acts 8:24-28.

"… a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John."

First, let's note the potential of Apollos in his role of spreading the gospel in the days of the early church. He was intelligent and he was passionate and he was being used by God. However, he wasn't complete. He was unaware of the role of the Holy Spirit in baptism. Secondly, let's look at the response of Priscilla and Aquilla. They heard him "speak boldly in the synagogue." They could have avoided the confrontation out of apathy or fear or avoidance of potential conflict. After all, they were tentmakers and Apollos was a "learned man." But, they didn't.

The story tells us that the couple "invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately." Notice that they didn't confront Apollos in public. They pulled him aside quietly in a relaxed environment. Then, they "explained … the way of God more adequately." I envision them sitting down together around a table having a discussion and then the couple encouraging Apollos. Later, in the story, we see this unfold as "the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples … to welcome him." These believers came alongside a brother and helped him to grow.

The impact on Apollos appears to be very beneficial. "… he was a great help to those who by grace had believed." We don't always see the big picture. If we recognize an issue in someone's life, we should spend time with God in prayer and not be afraid to be used by God to come alongside someone to help bring about growth in their life. The growth will likely occur, not only with that individual, but in our own lives as well.

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (Ephesians 4:14-16)

For me, this is a work in progress - an opportunity for growth.