Think on These Things: Positive thoughts in a negative world…
Ephesians 4:3 says, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” This is easier said than done. However, if everyone would just agree with me and do things my way, we could be unified and peaceful. My friend disagreed. She felt unity could only be achieved if everyone agreed with her and did it her way. What a dilemma—and one the world faces daily because everyone is right in their own eyes.
Is our zeal to prove we are always right hindering our relationship with others and even God? How important is it to always be right?
For example, let’s say you are driving down the road and another car is coming towards you. Both of you are in the same lane. You have a right to be in that lane and the other car doesn’t. However, the other car has no intention of changing lanes. Neither do you. In fact, you are adamant about your right to be there. So a head-on collision occurs and both drivers die. Yes, you were right. You might say you were “dead right!” But who cares? You’re dead.
Must we always be “right at any price,” leaving a trail of hurt and sorrow in our wake? Are we overly aggressive and quarrelsome? Do we win the argument, but lose the friend? If so, we might be in danger of being “dead right!”
Or are we peacemakers? The Bible doesn’t say, “Blessed are the belligerent”—it says, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9). Perhaps qualities like humility, gentleness, patience, kindness, and meekness might help us get along better with others, more than a “my way or the highway” attitude.
There may be times when we should stand up, stand up for Jesus but if we are honest with ourselves, most of our conflicts are over trivial matters. The Bible tells us to avoid foolish and ignorant disputes because they generate strife. A servant of the Lord should not quarrel. They should be gentle to all, exhibiting patience and humility (2 Timothy 2:23-26).
What is our goal in dealing with others? Do we want to change them and their point of view? Do we want to promote our thoughts and ideas? Or do we want to pray about it, and open ourselves up to the guidance of the Holy Spirit? Our job is to love people, not try to change them. That’s God’s job. We need to be asking God to change us and our approach, not the other guy.
So with that in mind, I’ve made a major decision. The next time my husband tells a story to others and gets a few peripheral facts wrong, such as what time of day it was or the color of someone’s hair, I’ve decided to smile and say, “You might be right,” instead of constantly correcting him. Sometimes it’s better to have peace than always be right.
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“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” ~Philippians 4:8 (KJV)
