Strife

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How would you describe Strife?
A bitter sometimes violent conflict or dissention
An act of contention
Earnest endeavor

Strife in the military could be treasonous
Back talking and complaining
Seems innocent enough
A black oil spewing from mouth to ear
Infecting all who hear it
Its fruit in this is hesitation, doubt
They can be deadly

Are we not called to be more than conquers?
When I hear that I envision plate and mail
Large horses and streaming pennants
I wonder if bloody and battered is more accurate
Should we not earnestly endeavor for the faith once delivered to the saints?
Conquers do not allow obstacles to stop them
Are they not colored, sanded smooth, indelibly marked by those very obstacles?