James 3:17-18
Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
In a recent CBS News story, Dr. Jonathan LaPook explained pet peeves. He cited several of his own, such as saying that something is “very unique”. He explained that something either IS unique – or it’s not. There are no degrees of “uniqueness!’ Another was when a call center person asks you for the “correct spelling” of your last name. He quipped that he was so glad they asked for the correct spelling, or he might have given them some gobbledy-gook!
Dr. LaPook explained that pet peeves are minor irritations that may serve a purpose. These allow us to quietly vent about something that doesn’t truly matter – and not ruin another person’s day or offend him/her. Full disclosure…I guess I have a lot of “pet peeves” these days! And if you are honest, you probably do, as well. We have dealt with so much stress and angst over the past few months that we are all wearing our feelings on our sleeves much of the time.
I thought about Dr. LaPook’s analysis…and for the most part, I agree with him. One of my latest pet peeves is people who don’t wear masks…or those who wear their masks incorrectly – under the nose, in particular. I know that I am transparent about this – some probably feel I am something of a “Mask Czar”! But I don’t mean to be disrespectful or hateful toward anyone – mask or not!
I ask God often to give me strength not to lash out at these folks – and to treat them with dignity and honor. I carry extra masks, so that I can offer one to a person who must have forgotten his/hers. I try to wear my mask correctly and set a good example in hopes that others will take the hint! And in private, I vent my frustration about those with whom I disagree! While I feel that wearing a mask – and wearing it properly – is truly a matter of life and death, I understand that treating those who disagree with condemnation and disparity is not the way to win them over and bring about change.
If we will seek God’s wisdom, He will show us how to get along with others without compromising our values. When people disparage a person or group with a different sexual orientation, I quietly interject, “My brother was gay. He was also one of the finest Christian nurses on the planet – and the person you would want in charge of your care if you were sick!” When someone makes a racist remark to me about people of color or another ethnicity, I ask, “Have I shown you the latest photos of my family?” I do my best to avoid political talk – with almost everyone! I don’t always get this right – and I’m sure I have said some unkind or judgmental things to others. But I am trying to do better at seeking God’s wisdom – and letting Him guide my words and actions.
We must remember that God loves all of us. There is nothing we can say or do to elevate ourselves above any other person. Attempts to shame or dishonor those with whom we disagree does not demonstrate the power of God’s wisdom in our daily living. Even if you are “right” about a situation or issue, let God show you how to get across your point. Ask God to help you pick and choose your battles…and always speak and act in a way that brings Him glory and honor.
©2020 Debbie Robus
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