For those of you that are athletes I have some questions: Are you a player that often questions calls from the ref? Do you second-guess your coach? When on the playground do you end up in a lot of disputes over calls?
What about off the court (for athletes, former athletes, non-athletes)? Is your life characterized by arguments to get your way? Maybe this takes place on the job, at school, or at home - you find yourself in altercations.
Why do you end up in disputes? Maybe you feel you have to stand up for your rights (no self-respecting American would get walked on.) Maybe you justify by saying you simply want the truth to be known – you want justice! Maybe you just can’t help pointing out that you are right and somebody else blew it.
When it all comes down to it there is one singular cause to arguing – PRIDE! Even when you are right, pride can rear its ugly head in demanding that others see it. And most of the time the argument is just a smoke screen to cover that you were wrong – you messed up!
We each need to determine if we are more concerned with our American approach of “Don’t tread on me!” or in the Christian response of willfully considering others as more important than self. Will we demand our rights or will we walk an extra mile when 1 mile is demanded of us. Will we get what we deserve or give the shirts off of our backs? (See Philippians 2 and Matthew 5)
Are you strong enough to humble yourself? Are you strong enough to let others get the spotlight? Are you strong enough to be seen as weak? Are you strong enough to lose the argument? What Christ called us to is not the norm!
Proverbs 13:10 By pride comes nothing but strife, But with the well-advised is wisdom.
Proverbs 13:10 Arrogant know-it-alls stir up discord, but wise men and women listen to each other's counsel. (The Message)
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