Why do we fight with each other?

I Timothy 6:3-5
If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. 

I was deeply saddened yesterday when in my first class of the day,  the students pulled out their phones and social media to talk about how the police are bad.  I was floored with how quickly we had gone from an investigation about what had happened Baltimore,  to rioting in the streets in Baltimore,  to students in my class thinking that violence and hate are okay since the police had to be wrong...yet we have been given no evidence of any kind yet to determine for ourselves the truth. 

Of course,  the media and social media are having a hayday with it.  Influencing young people negatively.  Inciting them.  Creating very angry people.  Sure, we need to remember that everyone has a mind if their own and makes their own decisions, but the influence in our society of social media is staggering. 

Yesterday, amidst my sadness,  I realized I had forgotten one thing.  One very important thing.  God did not promise us a perfect life without any sadness,  He promised He would be with us and love us. Then I realized I had forgotten to pray, talk, to God about this, my fear for these students who were following the path of incitement, revenge, and anger.  

I prayed at that point, and my soul was at peace. God is in control. God loves us. He didn't promise a perfect world. In fact, sin entered this world a long time ago, so it won't be perfect until we are in heaven with Him. That is okay, because I get my own slice of heaven everytime I pray.

I read this scripture today, and I realized that is exactly what happened yesterday in my classroom. The students were gossiping, there was malicious talk, they wanted friction. Nothing I said changed the course of their thinking. However, my fears for them were relieved when I prayed about the situation.  

I don't know what the situation will be in my class today. I do know there are lots of students willing to incite others to fear, anger, envy, entitlement, violence. To be unhappy with what they have and want others to be unhappy with them.  I also know I must pray! 

So, according to Timothy today, I must remember to be happy with what I have, rely on the Lord not material things or social acceptance, and focus on God! Life is good! Bring on the day!