Rumors, Confusion, Conflict

I've been reading through Joshua the last few weeks.  There are some great principles that are absolutely relevant to us today.  This morning I read chapter 22.  It recounts the relocation of the tribes of Reuben, Gad and half the tribe of Manasseh to the opposite side of the Jordan River from the other tribes of Israel.  Just to be clear, this was not some banishment or punishment.  This was the land they had requested and which was granted to them by Moses.  However, before possessing the land and settling down, they were required to assist their fellow tribes in the conquest of the land.  In chapter 22 that process is virtually completed.  Therefore these two and a half tribes were sent to their new homes with the blessing of Joshua.  So far so good.

Verse 10 reveals that when they arrived at the Jordan river, they decided to build a massive altar.  That's when the problems began.  Word drifted back to the other tribes, and the Bible tells us that they were immediately motivated to go to war against their brothers.  However, rather than rushing into battle they decided on a more rational approach.  They sent a delegation to ask a few questions and get a few facts.  Upon doing so they discovered that the rumor-mill had totally misrepresented the facts.  The rumor was that the altar was built as a substitute for the true altar of God and as an act of rebellion against the nation and against God.

After a few questions and a non-emotional, level-headed discussion, the truth was revealed.  It was not intended as a sign of division and separation, but actually as a sign of unity.  Their actions and more importantly the reason for their actions had been totally misunderstood.  Wow . . . the actual truth was the opposite of what had been rumored.  If you want the entire story, read Joshua 22:10-34.

Now, what is the takeaway?  Simply this . . . rumors lead to confusion which leads to misunderstanding which leads to conflict.  Never a good thing!  Level-headed, non-emotional dialogue leads to the truth, which leads to understanding which defuses conflict even before it can start.  That may be the most important point of the story.  They were motivated to fight.  They were planning to fight.  They felt justified to fight.  But then the light of truth was revealed and no blood was shed, no limbs were maimed, no grief was felt.  All because they were willing to dialogue, listen, trust and understand.

Sounds like a good plan.