It is so easy to see where we disagree with someone else. It is not difficult to find the opposition with others, at times. It is clear when common ground cannot be found among a group. For those with whom you do have unanimous agreement, discussions can vivaciously ensue. As humans, we are often quick to point out the differences we notice in others. We can hastily react to the diversity of thought, opinion, and belief. We tend to make sudden decisions regarding variations or modifications if it affects the way we have done things.
My thoughts on this subject are simply the following - change is inevitable in every area of life. We are all responsible for ourselves and how we respond to situations. Granted, there are absolutes that we make a stand for - yet, even in those situations there are areas where people disagree. As we experience new relationships or fresh ideas along our life’s journey, there is something we should ponder. Could it be that we contemplate the latest information presented to us, while simultaneously asking God to search us and know us?
Psalm 139:23-24
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
How often do we start with looking at our own behavior, conversations, and actions before “judging” someone else? Might it be that we consider our own heart prior to leaping into a decisive assessment? Can we slow down ahead of destructive table talk against a human that just has an opinion in contrast with our own? Too many times a gathering occurs without a pause searching our own choices and paths. Suddenly, someone’s name is disrespected, an exaggerated tale is told, or worse - a complete lie is spread causing others to believe falsehoods. All of this, because we didn’t take a step back to look into the facts ... better yet, our own conduct.
Life is a journey for each one of us. We will give an account to the Lord for our decisions - Matthew 12:36. May we stop and examine our understanding and acumen in advance of proceeding with actions that could negatively impact someone. Pursuing an individual for their opposing point of view to those of a group we are a part of or our very own, is a result of lacking in wisdom. There is opportunity to seek the Lord for His counsel.
James 1:5 NIV
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
I welcome you to contact me at thumanburgin@gmail.com with questions or comments. If you are interested in knowing Jesus as your Savior and want to know more, please see my Invitation and Prayer page. Should you have a prayer request - you are welcome to complete and submit a prayer request form at my Prayer Request page.
My prayer is that we learn this lesson from Psalm 139:23-24 and ask the Lord to search our hearts. Let it begin with us. We can ask God to forgive our wrongdoings and remove any wicked way in you and me. The blueprint provided to us is The Word of God, seeking our Lord in prayer, as well as, listening for His direction in our lives.
Before we find fault with the differences in those around us, may we look inward with help of the Lord. I pray, with God, we become better humans for each other. More importantly, my prayer is that we are better humans for the glory of Jesus.
Friend, we are never going to have the same viewpoint on everything. However, this we can certainly agree - Jesus loves you so!
Great reminder!