“Like one who takes a dog by the ears Is he who passes by and meddles with strife not belonging to him.” Proverbs 26:17 NASB
It’s the holidays. Family and friends will gather in lots of places during this time of year. There will be stories, laughter, cutting up, and… you have to finish that list. What sort of conversations will you participate in? Politics, religion, and football are all potential land mines. I realized a long time ago that the risk of losing contact with a loved one over any of these topics is foolish. Take politics, for example. If you could change someone else’s mind, what do you get? Maybe one more vote for your side. I’ve never seen it happen, but I’ve seen many families torn apart by the hard feelings those kinds of conversations can lead to. Even Jesus carefully decided where to take sides in an argument. “But He said to him, ‘Man, who appointed Me a judge or arbitrator over you?’” Jesus (Lk 12:14) Even when asked a question about religious traditions He took it to a whole different level. The famous woman at the well (John 4) wanted Him to tell her which location of worship was better – that of her people, or His. He basically told her it wasn’t about that. It’s a great story and a good lesson to learn. As you gather with friends and loved ones, let’s have a goal of moving into next year with them still being friends and loved ones. Today, let’s act like Jesus and stay humbly above the battles. #BeTheEdge
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” Romans 12:18 NASB
