How do you relate to others that may not feel, believe or think the same way as you do? Do you build foundations or do you try to push your way of thinking or believing on them?
My pastor posted the following message from Andy Stanley: "Don't trade your ability to make a difference by insisting on making a point." We should ask ourselves if making our point is really more important than making a difference in someone else's life.
When we try to force our way or our opinion, right or wrong, on someone else, we are building a wall, not a foundation. We're trying to "pound" our way of thinking into the situation. Building walls separates us, but building foundations helps us in our relationships.
Life is all about relationships...with family, with friends, with co-workers and even with people we meet in the coffee shop, grocery store, etc. We will not always agree with everyone, but we can find a way to get along. Romans 12:18 tells us "if it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."
If we treat each other with love and kindness, we will build foundations in our relationships. We should strive to treat others as we, ourselves, would like to be treated. Isn't that the Golden Rule? "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Did you know the Golden Rule comes from the Bible in Luke 6:31?
The next time we're in a situation with someone who might not agree with us, let's try to take a moment and think about what is more important... our "right" to be "right"... or the relationship.
After all, as my grandmother used to say, "you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar."
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