Get Along
A sprite little high school chaplain on her cheerleading squad was to share with the team as the season began. When asked what she was going to tell them she replied, “I am going to tell them to get along.” That is a message worthy of proclamation from the pulpit of the largest church. “Get along.” Learn to master conflicts and defuse disputes.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5: 9)
The following acknowledges there are some people and some situations when a person absolutely refuses to have an amicable attitude when a dispute arises. Conduct for response is also shared. “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.” (Romans 12: 18, 19)
When unable to get along with someone don’t try to avenge yourself. That is the Lord’s department. “Give place wrath,” God’s wrath. Stand aside yourself as a mere spectator, and let the wrath of God have free course to accomplish itself as He shall think best. Vengeance is His to exercise. Trying to usurp His right only further complicates the issue.
Find ways to compensate and sublimate for differences like the wife of a rural minister I heard of. One day the pastor had misplaced something at home and was conducting an all out search for it. He pulled from beneath the bed a shoe box containing two eggs and $2,000. He asked what the meaning of it was.
His wife explained. “Every time you preached a not-so-good sermon I put an egg in the box.”
He was pleased. Ten years of marriage and only two eggs he thought. Then his curiosity got the best of him and he asked, “What’s the meaning of the $2,000 in the box. Oh, said she, “Every time I get a dozen eggs I sell them and put the money in the box.”
Most disputes are not over issues about what we disagree, but as a result of our opinion of the person with whom we disagree.
A wee little man burst into the local gathering place and demanded, “OK, who painted my dog green?” A big dude about 6’5″, weighing around 275 pounds stood up and said, “I did! Why do you want to know?” Cowering away the little fellow said, “I just wanted you to know the first coat is dry.” Such diplomacy is worthy of the UN and deserving of our emulation.
Aspire to be a minister of reconciliation who overcomes evil with good.
As a child of God share His passion for peace and reconciliation.
Do you like a challenge? There is a worthy one.