I found myself flipping through my Bible tonight. Katie and I were talking about the unfortunate need of many in the world to make life difficult for others. We all know people like this. In fact, we're all guilty of acting like this from time to time - of making life less enjoyable for others for whatever reason. Whether it's criticizing them, embarrassing them, making fun of them, shunning them, hurting them, bringing them down ... they're all bad and we should all work harder to avoid these types of behaviors. The conversation made me think of my favorite Bible passage of all-time, so I ran to my room to grab it. It made me smile just reading it again, thinking of how simple the message is and how wonderful the world would be if we could all practice what Paul is telling us:
1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do. do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks, or the Church of God -- even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good, but the good of many, so that they may be saved. Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ."
I bolded the parts of the passage that jump out most to me. The actionable messages that Paul is trying to burn into our heads. Keep that message on the top of your mind for the next few weeks. Try hard to remember it in frustrating times - especially times of frustration with others. Or keep it in mind when you see someone else being hard on another.
The central theme around most of the teachings of Jesus is the idea of love. If we can learn to live our lives with love, then those around us will begin to follow suit. I really believe that. |