I'd Rather Be Right

PASSAGE FOR THE DAY:
Romans 14 (click the link)


KEY VERSES:
Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters… Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister… Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. (Romans 14:1, 13, 19, NIV)


REFLECTIONS:
Most the chapter focuses on food and drink which seems, back in Paul’s time, to have been a volatile issue, a HUGE issue.  I don’t think we stumble so much on that in this day except maybe over the issue of alcohol.  If you dim out the focus on food and drink, a strong message comes through about treating others with respect, regardless of how they believe.  How many times we find ourselves focusing on, debating or even conflicting over “disputable matters.”

The message hit me right between the eyes on one of my big struggle points—judging.  My critical-judgmental attitude usually goes unvoiced, thank goodness, but it is quietly churning and poisoning underneath.  Twined with that attitude is the intense need to be right and for others to know I am right.  Right at all cost; even the cost of happiness, respect for others and peace.

When Stanley and I first took our Airstream out “camping,” we pulled into a big RV park.  Others watched us get set up—big entertainment in a RV park.  We got into a dispute on how to turn the propane on to heat the hot water.  I KNEW I was right and Stanley was wrong.  To prove my point I went next door to verify I am right.  The neighbors were experts, as seen by the flamingos, plants and wooden name sign hanging outside.  When they confirmed what I already knew—“I AM RIGHT!”—I did the victory dance—excessive celebration. I looked over at Stanley and saw his face and his dignity melt.  So… I was RIGHT and everyone knew it, but at what cost?  A cost too high. 

I want to do better and be better so I find myself resolving, and re-resolving when I mess up, to try harder.  Thankfully it’s not a matter of will power but it does require a hard step… surrender.  Asking God to help me change my judgmental, critical, got-to-be-right attitude.


POINT OF PONDER, ACTION AND PRAYER:
I altered The Message translation of the key verses into a prayer:

“Father, help me to forget about deciding what's right for others and instead focus on how to keep from getting in the way of someone else, making life more difficult than it already is for them.  I want to use my energy in getting along with others and helping them with encouraging words; not dragging them down by finding fault.  Show me how to cultivate my own relationship with You, without imposing it on others.”


WHO AM I?
Hi! Cinda here… Stanley and I are on a trip of unknown length and time… How cool is that!  We are in Maine right now… It IS cool compared to Texas!  This picture is from Amish Country earlier in our trip.  Seemed to fit today’s devotion, I found myself fascinated with these people.  I look at this family and see the cute girl looking at me.  We both see differences. I began to realize I can learn some things about commitment to basics, family, beliefs and faith from them. I was inspired BIG time!