Conflict Resolution: Now New and Improved

Shortly after the vision for the UBtheNEWS project was formulated, the social implications started to become apparent. I was doing something designed to have general appeal and broad support. This made me painfully aware of how every disharmonious relationship in my life, especially within the Urantia community, was now an obstacle to the success of something to which I had a strong commitment. Ouch.

So I tried to figure out a way to handle the situation.

After mediating on the issue for a while, I thought that perhaps this project could be a catalyst for getting around (not through) the problems I have had with certain people. It occurred to me that the UBtheNEWS project could be prioritized above whatever issues had led to disharmonious relationships.

Prioritizing UBtheNEWS above personal problems meant that no one would have to give up their opinions about whatever circumstances had occurred in the past. That certainly removes a big obstacle to conflict resolution! Rather than attempting to “come to terms” on past conflicts, UBtheNEWS could effective dissolve them through a mutual agreement to make the development of the UBtheNEWS project more important.

Reaching an agreement about supporting the UBtheNEWS project provides an opportunity for creativity, focusing on the future, and coming into alignment through being of service to others. This approach yields the fruits of reconciliation by way of reprioritization. Because the UBtheNEWS project is an extraordinary service opportunity, because it involves participating in the emerging superhuman credibility of the fifth epochal revelation to humanity, it stands as something worthy of being prioritized.

I am happy to report that I have seen this plan work beautifully, both on a personal levels and on group levels. When I have not had the time to schedule multiple presentations in a given area, UBtheNEWS presentations have been a catalyst for bringing people together who, because of conflicts, had not seen each other in many years!

Identifying a service project to prioritize above differences is a mode of conflict resolution I had never tried before. So far the results have been excellent. For those of us who believe in the authenticity of the Urantia revelation, the UBtheNEWS project is an excellent way to work this type of magic. Even still, the principle is applicable to all types of conflicts and service projects. If you have never tried this approach before, I highly recommend it! Get creative and enjoy the blessings and benefits of having a new power tool in your conflict resolution toolbox.