Wednesday, July 3, 2013

ARE ARGUMENTS EVER WORTH IT?



During last week, I traveled for ministry and fellowship to the Mon Valley in Western Pennsylvania, the place of my birth.  Incidentally, Belinda and I truly appreciate the hospitality and generosity of my brother, Pastor William C. Bass, and our lifelong friend, Pastor Maurice B. Wade.  On Sunday, I heard an amusing anecdote at the Gate of Heaven Church of God in Christ, my home church.

A man and his wife were having some problems at home and were giving each other the silent treatment.  Suddenly, the man realized that he would need his wife to awaken him the following morning at five o’clock for an early business flight.

Not wanting to be the first to break the silence (and lose), he wrote on a piece of paper, “Please wake me up at 5:00 A.M.”  He then left it where he knew she would find it.

The next morning, the man woke up, only to discover it was 9:00 A.M. and he had missed his flight.  Furious, he was about to confront his wife to see why she hadn’t wakened him, when he noticed a piece of paper by the bed.  The paper read, “It is 5:00 A.M.  Wake up.”

While this story is certainly comical, it generates rather sobering thoughts.  Can any of us honestly state that any disagreement or argument we have been party to over the years was ever worth the dissention, debate or drama that was generated?  I doubt it.  The aftermath of strife is typified by guilt and regret.

Most importantly, what is God’s perspective on this issue?

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Ephesians 4:26-27
26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
27 Neither give place to the devil.

Let’s strive to live in peace, and to bequeath a legacy of peace to our children and grandchildren.  It honors God; it sustains relationships; and it preserves health.  Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed!

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