To sow discord is to say and do things which cause a group as a whole to distrust one another, and begin to argue and then to fight. Usually the ‘sower’ is acting AS IF he is not trying to cause arguments. Sowing discord is something done in secret, by deceit and subterfuge (sneakiness, gossip and lies).
Proverbs 6, Romans 16, Matthew 5, Matthew 18, 2 Peter 2 all deal with how to deal with discord and conflict. Here are three ways to spot a DISCORD SOWER:
(1) They twist words to win sympathy. They label complaints as ‘concerns’, their anger as ‘frustration’ and their bitterness as ‘misunderstanding.’ They are always the victim. They always have questions, but never answers.
(2) They show their emotions by their body language. They roll their eyes, grimace and shake their heads. Their body language communicates defensiveness.
(3) They aren’t team players. They don’t collaborate or communicate with others. They believe their opinion is the only one that matters.
It’s particularly concerning when the ‘discord’ sower is a leader. It is hard to follow a leader who is always inviting chaos, does change for change sake and is constantly creating drama?
The most effective leaders work to create an environment that will stimulate, motivate and develop people—who in turn will bring their best to work. Unfortunately, many otherwise qualified leaders try to create a chaotic culture in a heightened state of anxiety. They wrongly believe a calm environment means a lack of activity or purpose—that stress and chaos lead to greater drive and energy.
The truth is most people are better motivated by accomplishment than stress, and they accomplish more when they are at ease in a peaceful and secure environment than a constant state of change and chaos.
Leaders who demand blind loyalty, shun those who disagree with them are sowing discord. God don’t bless that mess!
Ernest Lee Contendin 