One thing I've learned over the years is that you have to learn how to disagree without being disagreeable. Learning how to deal with diversity will take you across the threshold of dispute.
Jesus called us to be PEACEMAKERS not PEACEKEEPERS. Making peace is our assignment 24/7. I'm not called just to "keep the peace" but to "make it."
That means, I work at the peace manufacturing plant. Ever heard of that place? It's the place that:
- Joins together that which has been separated.
- Resolves conflicts.
- Overcomes differences.
Peace don't just SHOW UP...peace has to be prepared for and welcomed when it arrives. I have to SEEK after it...PURSUE it.
Most of us love our families. However, there are some in our family that we wouldn't want to go on vacation with. It's not that we don't love them...perhaps it's just a lot of work mentally and emotionally to be around them. We shouldn't shun them...but we should also use wisdom when we're with them. The same could be said of any relationship.
Perhaps Paul knew that peace would require effort when he said, "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." (Romans 12:18)
Notice the words "IF IT BE POSSIBLE." That means...there's a chance it might not be. However, we should, with everything within us, try to make it happen.
We're all different. Our skin color, eye color, body shape, hair style, musical preferences, entertainment preferences, movie choices, etc. the list goes on.......
Our differences shouldn't DIVIDE us...but rather UNITE us. I believe our attitude should be to CELEBRATE one another.
I need you and you need me.
U.N.I.T.Y. = You and I Tie
Truly, churches and Christians alike should be able to get along while abiding here below. We're supposed to be on the same team; building the Kingdom of God.
Often I hear of Christians that break fellowship and refuse to have anything to do with one another. I don't think that's what Jesus had in mind. I understand how differences can enter in and cause a rift...however, the main thing should still be the main thing...building the Kingdom of God.
Unfortunately, differences do arise.
I am a firm believer that each of us are responsible for our behavior and actions. Christians, especially those who claim to be preachers/teachers, etc." should set a HIGHER STANDARD. Our actions should be in accordance to Biblical guidelines. Paul spoke of the behavioral patterns of Bishops, Elders and Deacons in the New Testament.
When you mix Paul's guidelines with ministerial etiquette and common sense...then you get a good idea of how we should conduct ourselves.
Refuse to take the "fight" or "flight" response. Don't abandon the "God Relationships" that He afforded you by burning bridges with the people who have loved you unconditionally and poured into your life. It's been those relationships that have helped you and spared your life when you were dangling over a cliff by a thread.
Choose to "Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you." (2 Corinthians 13:11)
Doing things right (correct communication, behavior that is above reproach, professionalism, courtesy) is a STAPLE for every believer.
Even Cain was afforded another opportunity from God when he offered his sacrifice the wrong way. "...if thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted?" (Genesis 4:7) In other words...just do things right Cain and I'll receive you.
Need a second chance today? My advice....just do things right. (Doing things right isn't just someone's personal preference that you're being asked to conform to.) I'm referencing doing things according to a Biblical standards + etiquette and common sense.
We're all different...however, our common denominator is CHRIST. Let's strive to look beyond our differences - whatever they may be - and conduct ourselves in grace and truth.
Not wrong...just different.