Quiet Fire Devotional Series | Archetypes of Worldliness - The Eruptionalist: Storm-Chaser of Conflict

The Eruptionalist: Storm-Chaser of Conflict

“But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.”(Titus 3:9, ESV)

“A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.”(Proverbs 15:18, ESV)

Conflicts of Self

Picture the eruptionalist as a spiritual storm-chaser, driven by the intoxicating thrill of conflict. He delights in fanning sparks into flames, convinced that significance lies in the heat of the arguments he ignites. Each smoldering disagreement becomes fuel for his ego, every quarrel a trophy. Like one addicted to adrenaline, he pursues tempestuous conversations—not to clarify truth, but to amplify himself.

Yet Proverbs warns clearly,

“For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.” (Proverbs 26:20, ESV)

This compulsive storm-chasing reveals a restless soul more captivated by noise than by the quiet confidence found in Christ.

Attention-Seeking Eruptions

Driven by an insatiable craving for validation, the eruptionalist weaponizes every minor irritation, turning small disagreements into explosive battles. He thrives not in unity, but in division, believing himself central to the drama he perpetually creates.

But what does Scripture counsel?

“So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” (Romans 14:19, ESV)

In contrast, the eruptionalist sacrifices harmony on the altar of his ego, seeking applause through outrage rather than honor through humility. He loudly declares his importance while quietly dishonoring the Prince of Peace.

Stormy Spiritual Weather

The fallout from these eruptions isn’t isolated. Like a cyclone, his self-centered strife leaves spiritual wreckage: relationships fractured, trust eroded, unity scattered. Churches splinter, families separate, and fellowship grows cold beneath clouds of needless hostility.

Paul addressed this peril to young Timothy clearly:

“Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil.” (2 Timothy 2:23–24, ESV)

Yet, for the eruptionalist, controversy is currency, and dissension his preferred language, revealing that the gospel of Christ’s reconciliation has not truly taken root in his heart.

Thriving in Calm Skies

Our Lord Jesus Christ demonstrated a vastly different way. Amid storms—literal and figurative—Jesus was marked by steady peace. Rather than magnifying conflict, He quieted winds and waves, silenced accusing crowds, and brought calm to troubled souls. Christ taught, healed, and reconciled, never fueling unnecessary quarrels, but rather bringing divine clarity and restoration.

Jesus declared,

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9, ESV)

To follow Christ means relinquishing the false excitement of self-centered eruptions and embracing the quiet, steadfast peace that honors God above self.

Consider carefully: Which spark of unnecessary conflict have you fanned into flames for personal validation? How can embracing Christ’s peace extinguish your impulse to storm-chase?

May we exchange storms of self for the tranquility of Christ’s presence, becoming instruments of peace rather than architects of division.