I got a dog bite a couple of weeks ago-trip to urgent care and two stitches. I got involved in a dog fight with my gloved hand instead of the big mop located nearby-big mistake. Isn’t it easy to react without thinking things through? There wasn’t time to think. My daughter had two dogs with one’s teeth clamped onto the other’s ear-not good so I tried to grab one collar while she had the other. Anyway, the hand is healing, but I’ve been thinking about how I sometimes react when I shouldn’t or react in the wrong way or with wrong motives.
Do we ever let our opinions separate us from our brothers and sisters in Christ? Some opinions just aren’t that important, except to us, so why get “in a fight” over unimportant matters? The Bible teaches us to live in peace. We read in Romans 12:17-19, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
I’ve found there are times when I am just not going to agree with someone because our ideas or life styles are just so different, but that doesn’t mean I should “dog-fight” them. I can still live in peace with that person. It isn’t my job to change them (if change is needed) or vice versa–that’s God’s job.
I’m not happy when someone is disrespectful of me or wrongs me, but it isn’t my job to return that kind of behavior toward them. Forgiveness is necessary on my part whether the offender asks for it or not.
The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians concerning many problems in the church, but he closes his first letter with a reminder of Christ’s resurrection and our hope of resurrection at Christ’s return. Then Paul says, “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Apparently, Paul thought that whatever differences we may have, Christ was most important. I will do well to not get involved in “dog fights” but rather be involved in God’s work.
Dear God, help me to faithfully serve You by serving others. Help me fully give myself to Your work without selfish ambitions. Remind me of the grace You offer to all who will receive it. Help me reflect that grace to others. Amen
This is very heavy stuff…some of which the Lord is working on to refine my thinking…and He’s making headway slowly…oh, goodness.
I’m so aware of the Mind of Christ when my mind isn’t there and has such a long way to go….Perhaps awareness is the first step?
Many thanks for writing!
Having the Mind of Christ is our goal, isn’t it? It’s a struggle worth doing because of His promises!