When you hear the phrase, the dreaded “C” word, what comes to mind? For many, it is the word “cancer”. That silent disease that unbeknownst to us can lie lurking, with the potential to overtake and destroy cells, organs and bodies. Once active it begins a quiet assault against good, strong and healthy cells leaving in its wake a mass of diseased tissue. Left unnoticed and unattended, over time it brings bodily breakdown, pain and can ultimately lead to death. I am thinking these days of another “C” word that when left unchecked within the body of Christ can be just as subtle, just as destructive and deadly. It has the ability, power and potential to divide; to bring pain; and it will harm and hinder the health, vitality and functionality of the body. The “C” word I am referring to is very simply “confusion”. At first glance you might question why I would suggest this, but let me explain.
The more I am involved in other people’s stories and the longer I am a participant in the body of Christ, I see a theme emerging that clearly points to the destructive and negative nature of confusion. It is so often the root cause of relational discord, misunderstanding and can lead to division and isolation. It can so easily take us off the track of truth and skew authentic and original meaning. It can easily send up a smoke screen to blur our vision and our path and keep us from knowing how to navigate forward, immobilizing us in the end. It can fog and distort our thoughts, perceptions and emotions which may entice us to build a case against another, all out of inaccurate information, far and very different from the true purpose or meaning. Confusion can over time subtly destroy healthy environments, strong teams, and intimate relationships, leaving chaos in its wake.
How many relational problems begin as a result of something being said or done that causes the other person to walk away in a cloud of confusion. That in and of itself isn’t the issue – we are all prone to not explain ourselves effectively or doing things that can come across inaccurately. The problem begins though when we walk away and don’t address our confusion. This opens the door for our minds to twist and skew what has just taken place. Over time if the confusion isn’t clarified it will build until it is impossible to see clearly and accurately any longer.
I have a friend who is diligent in this regard. Many times after I have interacted with them I will receive a call later on. A quick, but intentional conversation to clarify something one of us may have said. It has been sobering to realize how many times one of us was reading something in that was not reality at all. How freeing to know that in the end we are both on the same page and we never have to question or doubt or wonder any longer. We stop confusion in its track so that we can go forward unhindered and unencumbered.
In closing, here are a couple of thoughts…
- The opposite of confusion is ‘understanding’ and Psalm 119:130 says, “The unfolding of your Words give light; it gives understanding to the simple.” The first place to begin if we are confused is to seek Jesus and scripture, to ask for His counsel to sift and sort through the confusion in order to gain truth.
- Anytime confusion exists, especially relationally, it is both our right and responsibility to ask for, and seek clarity. A simple question or request for explanation can eliminate confusion before any misunderstanding sets in.
- Don’t let too much time go by before confronting confusion. Like cancer, early detection and elimination is critical. If not dealt with in a timely manner it has the ability to create chaos that will take intense time and energy to unravel.
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