Jacob
2008-05-26 18:05:03 UTC
The Bible calls people 'fools' who get angry and quarrel easily (Pr.
12:16;14:17;29:11). It says that keeping away from strife is an honour
for man (Pr.20:3). Our struggle, generally, is to be able to control
our temper and to avoid quarrels. But sometimes we also do the
opposite. Thinking that we are avoiding a quarrel we sometimes miss
making our stand clear or bearing a Christian witness.
Wisdom is to know when to speak out and when to keep silent (Ec.3:7).
It is folly to always quarrel, and also to keep quiet when we need to
speak out. Let us look at the second aspect today.
We are all so different from one another as people, with different
opinions, understanding, upbringing, abilities, temperaments, etc. As
a result, inter-personal relationships give us some of the toughest
challenges in life. But on the positive side, it is interactions with
different types of people that enrich our experience and enjoyment of
life. They enable us to see things from different perspectives, and
that broadens our outlook. We are helped to see where we have been
narrow minded, prejudiced or blind to reality. That is why the Bible
says that iron sharpens iron (Pr.27:17).
When iron sharpens iron, a lot of heat gets generated and sparks may
fly! But that is a passing phase! Ultimately the pieces of iron get
the proper shapes that add to their value. So it is with us.
If we are scared of the heat or sparks, we will choose to lie down
quietly in our own places and avoid interacting with the others in
ways that may cause sparks. This causes us to miss the education that
we could have received from others with different views, and we also
miss out on the opportunity to contribute something for the others'
good. Many married couples follow this approach and think that they
are bearing with their spouses, instead of expressing different views
and coming to a mutual understanding of life. Many people think they
are 'pursuing peace' with the others and let hurts and wounds fester
deep inside.
Perhaps we Christians keep our mouth shut when people are discussing
religion or philosophy thinking that we don't want to cause an uproar
by claiming that Jesus is the only way. Of course there are times when
the wise thing is to keep quiet because there is no point raising such
subjects in hostile situations (Mt.7:6). But think of the other times
when we can put in a word for Christ.
If we manage things wisely, heat may come and sparks may fly for the
moment. But after things settle down we would have left some lasting
impression on the others or gained the final victory. Think of how
'fearless' Jesus was when He dealt with the Pharisees and religious
leaders who were opposing Him. Many sparks came out, and even big
fires got started. He was not personally ruffled by them, He never got
angry because someone did something to Him, and He never lost control
even when He was angry with someone who was doing wrong (and it was
going to hurt them).
12:16;14:17;29:11). It says that keeping away from strife is an honour
for man (Pr.20:3). Our struggle, generally, is to be able to control
our temper and to avoid quarrels. But sometimes we also do the
opposite. Thinking that we are avoiding a quarrel we sometimes miss
making our stand clear or bearing a Christian witness.
Wisdom is to know when to speak out and when to keep silent (Ec.3:7).
It is folly to always quarrel, and also to keep quiet when we need to
speak out. Let us look at the second aspect today.
We are all so different from one another as people, with different
opinions, understanding, upbringing, abilities, temperaments, etc. As
a result, inter-personal relationships give us some of the toughest
challenges in life. But on the positive side, it is interactions with
different types of people that enrich our experience and enjoyment of
life. They enable us to see things from different perspectives, and
that broadens our outlook. We are helped to see where we have been
narrow minded, prejudiced or blind to reality. That is why the Bible
says that iron sharpens iron (Pr.27:17).
When iron sharpens iron, a lot of heat gets generated and sparks may
fly! But that is a passing phase! Ultimately the pieces of iron get
the proper shapes that add to their value. So it is with us.
If we are scared of the heat or sparks, we will choose to lie down
quietly in our own places and avoid interacting with the others in
ways that may cause sparks. This causes us to miss the education that
we could have received from others with different views, and we also
miss out on the opportunity to contribute something for the others'
good. Many married couples follow this approach and think that they
are bearing with their spouses, instead of expressing different views
and coming to a mutual understanding of life. Many people think they
are 'pursuing peace' with the others and let hurts and wounds fester
deep inside.
Perhaps we Christians keep our mouth shut when people are discussing
religion or philosophy thinking that we don't want to cause an uproar
by claiming that Jesus is the only way. Of course there are times when
the wise thing is to keep quiet because there is no point raising such
subjects in hostile situations (Mt.7:6). But think of the other times
when we can put in a word for Christ.
If we manage things wisely, heat may come and sparks may fly for the
moment. But after things settle down we would have left some lasting
impression on the others or gained the final victory. Think of how
'fearless' Jesus was when He dealt with the Pharisees and religious
leaders who were opposing Him. Many sparks came out, and even big
fires got started. He was not personally ruffled by them, He never got
angry because someone did something to Him, and He never lost control
even when He was angry with someone who was doing wrong (and it was
going to hurt them).