Would You Say It To Jesus?
If it is possible, as far as it depends
on you, live at peace with everyone.
– Romans 12:18
Do you get upset when someone who doesn’t share your
political views? Do you get angry with a co-worker who disagrees with your
proposal? Are you furious when your spouse nixes a trip, a purchase, or something
else you wanted?
I am amazed by the rhetoric that sometimes comes with
a disagreement. It’s not about opinions. We’re all unique individuals. Of
course, we aren’t going to see things the same way.
I am astounded at the seriousness of those disagreements,
the hatred and ugliness that sometimes comes when people don’t agree. Whatever
happened to civil discussions? Why can’t we just agree to disagree, as the
saying goes, and focus on what’s important?
As Christians, we are destroying ourselves from within
with our pettiness and ugliness. Unfortunately, the people leading this charge “in
the name of Jesus” don’t have a clue to the damage they’re inflicting. They’re
so focused on being “right” that they’re missing Jesus’ call on all our lives.
Much like the Pharisees did, I might add.
I don’t care if you’re a Republican or a Democrat. It
really doesn’t matter if you think highly of President Trump or you don’t. I
don’t need you to agree with my choice of music, how a pastor does communion or
even if we should gather on Sunday nights or not.
What does matter? Do you love Jesus? Do you love
others as He commanded? Do you welcome all, regardless of the baggage they might
carry? Do you give with an open heart and an open hand?
We sometimes get so focused on our own opinions, our
own agendas, our own pride and arrogance that we miss what’s truly important.
We tell ourselves that it’s all about Jesus but in reality it’s all about us. We
think we know more than anyone else. We push people away from Jesus all the
while claiming that we’re the way and the truth.
Did you catch that last sentence? It’s not a typo. It’s
not a wrong word choice. I meant to write “we’re” instead of “He’s” the way. Do
you know why? Because sometimes we’re so busy proclaiming our own opinions that
we lose our way. It becomes about us and not about Him.
Why do we need to be “right”? Why do we get defensive
when someone disagrees with us? Why do we take it personally? Why is our ego so
attached to another person’s opinion? God’s opinion is the only opinion that really
matters.
So many questions. I know. But I really want you to
think about your words and actions. It’s not about your right to your own
opinion. It’s about Jesus’ right to control what we say and do. It’s about
living for Him instead of living for ourselves.
The next time you bristle at someone who disagrees
with you, think about Jesus. The next time you are tempted to blast someone for
their opinion, imagine Jesus standing before you. Would you say those words to
Him? Would you throw out accusations, bring up past hurts, or tell Him that He’s
stupid for believing something different? Then, don’t say it to the person
disagreeing with you.
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