Today my friends, the Bakers, came over for a visit. They have four children that are all under the age of five. Harmony and peace among them is an on going lesson for their daily lives. Romans 12;16 '' Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.'' I think children playing together can be a great example of this. They aren't of lower position, but they are different in ages and at different learning stages. Parents train their kids to 'play nicely with others', so where do we lose that in adulthood?
Also from Romans, 'Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment.' We should be sympathetic, loving, compassionate and humble in our interactions together. 'Harmony is when the sum is greater than the parts'. Often childish, petty things can destroy relationships, even between adults. The pride in our ego is the main cause of discord among people.
'Can't we all just get along?' It sounds so simple, yet seems so difficult for some. Some people think 'peace is the time of reloading' and that can include your rifle, your mouth, your thoughts. That's not peace, but seeking vengeance.
May we put others before ourselves and live a more harmonious life together.
I was thinking about that yesterday. Melissa Long gave us a book called "Sharing is Fun". We are constantly trying to teach the children to share, and yet as adults we really are no better at sharing than a couple toddlers. Our "toys" may be bigger and more expensive, but they still ultimately belong to God. Will we consider the needs of others and share?
ReplyDeletejessica b.
Good blog, send it to Washington. Dad
ReplyDeleteEmma just started memorizing Philippians 2 yesterday for her new memory passage. One of my favorite portions is, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus, who being in very likeness God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself of no reputation and took on the form of a servant. And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." (mix of translations!) Oh, to be like Him! Humility and obedience go a long way in "just getting along"--both for children and adults.
ReplyDeleteDitto Wayne!! Thank you for another brutally honest and convicting post, Angie. We all need this! Love you, T.
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