As followers of Christ, we are not surprised when the world turns against us. Jesus Himself warned us: “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first… As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you” (John 15:18–19).
Christians seek peace, love, and to serve freely — but this world thrives on conflict. And where there is conflict, there is profit.
The Business of Conflict
Everyone can agree that war is one of the greatest evils in human history. Lives are lost, families destroyed, nations torn apart. Yet hidden beneath the horror is a dark truth: wars generate money.
- Weapons: The more wars, the more demand for weapons. Armies buy, manufacturers sell, and conflicts become a testing ground for new technology.
- Taxes and Control: The Romans, like many empires, thrived financially on unrest. Conflict gave them excuse to tighten control and extract more revenue.
This is not only true of war. In every corner of human society, conflict has become a commodity.
“They have become rich and powerful and have grown fat and sleek. Their evil deeds have no limit; they do not seek justice. They do not promote the case of the fatherless; they do not defend the just cause of the poor.” (Jeremiah 5:28).
Justice Systems Built on Strife
Consider the courts — criminal, family, civil. Each thrives on disputes:
- More Cases, More Fees: More conflict means more attorneys, more hearings, more billable hours.
- Therapists and Experts: Divorce cases, custody battles, and family conflicts fuel entire industries.
- Endless Cycles: The system does not profit from reconciliation; it profits from prolonging conflict.
The deeper the conflict, the higher the price tag.
James captures the heart of it: “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight.” (James 4:1–2).
The Health Industry and Manufactured Dependence
Conflict exists in medicine too, though not as obvious. Health struggles — chronic disease, stress, depression — become an opportunity for profit.
- Doctors and hospitals rely on endless streams of patients.
- Insurance companies profit when fear drives people to buy coverage.
- Pharmaceutical companies profit more from lifelong treatment than from healing.
Again, peace does not sell. But pain, conflict, and crisis create a permanent market.
The Example of Caiaphas and Pilate
This pattern goes back even to the time of Jesus. Caiaphas, the high priest, hated Christ not because Jesus did evil, but because He threatened his business.
- In the Temple, sacrifices could only be bought with temple money.
- Merchants provided animals at inflated prices.
- The whole system profited from people’s guilt and need for forgiveness.
When Jesus overturned the tables of the money changers, He exposed that corruption. Peace with God, given freely through Him, would destroy their system of profit. That’s why Caiaphas plotted to kill Him — Jesus was not just a religious threat, but an economic one.
Pontius Pilate also stands as a clear example. He was the Roman governor who presided over the trial of Jesus and ultimately ordered His crucifixion, despite declaring, “I find no basis for a charge against him” (John 19:6). Pilate’s decision was not based on truth or justice, but on political pressure and fear of losing his position. His moral weakness reveals how leaders often choose conflict and compromise over peace, in order to protect their power and career.
Why Christians Are Unwelcome
This is the heart of why Christians face persecution even today. We preach peace, generosity, and healing without price. But peace does not sell. Free grace does not generate revenue. The world does not fear Christianity because of violence or power, but because it undermines the economy of conflict.
When Christians help the poor without charging, when we forgive instead of suing, when we heal instead of exploiting — we cut off the flow of money to systems that thrive on strife.
Isaiah foretold Christ’s mission: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given… and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.” (Isaiah 9:6–7).
Living With Less Conflict
As disciples, we are called to live differently:
- Seek Peace: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9).
- Reject Greed: True service is given freely, not sold for gain.
- Expect Persecution: The world resists peace, because conflict sustains its profit. But our treasure is in heaven, not on earth.
Paul reminds us in Romans 12:18, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Practical Reflection: Thriving on Less Conflict in Daily Life
How can we live this out in our everyday lives?
- Choose forgiveness over revenge – Let go of grudges. Forgiveness closes the door to cycles of conflict. (Ephesians 4:32).
- Serve without expecting return – Offer help freely, not for recognition or payment. (Matthew 10:8).
- Resist arguments – Not every fight is worth engaging. Sometimes silence speaks louder than words. (Proverbs 17:27–28).
- Pray for enemies – Conflict loses its grip when we lift even our opponents before God. (Matthew 5:44).
- Model peace in the home – Families are where either peace or strife begins. Be intentional about setting a tone of grace and patience. (Colossians 3:13–14).
Thriving on less conflict means bringing Christ’s peace into the spaces where the world only knows strife.
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, You told us that we would be hated for Your name’s sake because we are not of this world. Give us courage to walk in peace even when the world thrives on conflict. Open our eyes to see the systems built on strife, and help us to stand apart, living as witnesses of Your love. Teach us to serve freely, to forgive freely, and to live for treasures that cannot be bought or sold. In Your holy name, Amen.
✨ Thrive on Less Takeaway: This world profits from conflict, but as followers of Christ we thrive on less — less strife, less greed, less hostility — because we belong to the Prince of Peace.
Thrive on Less 
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