Getting Along

No matter what your community, it really should be that hard to get along with each other.

Sure, we have our differences of beliefs and opinions and perspectives on any number of subjects, but as I've told my oldest daughter as she has dealt with kids at school (like we all did), there's no reason for somebody to be a jerk on purpose.

Obviously, not everybody is going to be your friend, let alone your best friend... there's probably not enough time in the day to have them as a decent acquaintance. We all have our buttons and things people do that "set us of"... whether it be on the job between co-workers and our management, sibling rivalries or marital conflicts or, wait for it... political discourse on social media. Yeah, you didn't see that one coming, did you?

I get that we all make mistakes. We've all made incredibly simple and stupid mistakes at that, for which we have had to take a "reaming out" of some kind for having done or said stupid. I understand. I've been there.

Yet, there's no reason to berate on the job.
There's no reason to be "through the roof" as a parent or spouse.
There's no point in going out of our way to make it known we can't stand the thought or sight of someone.

There's a time to be upset, as a parent, spouse, employee or boss, sibling or friend, pastor or parishioner. But there should be a grace and understanding as we work through matter, especially for the believer. 

There's a time for outrage and frustration as we encounter incredible difficulty in life and circumstances that are overwhelming to consider, let alone actually navigate... yet again, with God's help and the mind of Christ, if we put that first, we can walk through the fire.

It's not easy, but it's necessary.

As we engage community, as there is overlap into the world in which we live life, from the basis and courage of our convictions and faith in Jesus Christ, it all reflects upon Him. 

And I fail miserably... daily.

Pray with me, this #communitySaturday, that God would help us, as the body of Christ, to reflect Christ in these difficult days and the days to come. May the world see that we live real lives with real problems, with real emotions and real trials, managing the same real struggles and trying to navigate the same, making real decisions that have real rewards and consequences... all in a way that brings glory and honor to God. While I don't expect them to have understanding and compassion when we miss the mark, may such give opportunity to share God's love and grace for us from His perspective; that He does not berate and throw us aside. Pray His desire that none should perish, but all have eternal life as well as abundant life, be made known to a world in great denial of their desperate need for a Savior.

Living for Christ doesn't make us perfect.
It proves we are flawed and in need for being made new in His likeness
For the cause of Jesus Christ
For the glory of God the Father.

- PNC