POINTED POINTS ARE POINTLESS!
Sunday’s Monday
It may sound a little odd to many people, but I often struggle with giving up control, especially when it comes to making a point. I will bicker about a subject for hours bantering back and forth to prove the merit of my opinion. My problem is, I’m like the frog sitting in a pot of cool water as the temperature rises the frog doesn’t notice that he is being boiled to death. This is what can happen to me if I’m not cooperating with The Holy Spirit to control my temper, otherwise, something ugly can rise up. I get so locked in the process of getting others to see my opinion as acceptable and valid that the thought of losing everyone’s interest never enters my mind. Ergo the only thing accomplished in this type of discussion is I look like a fool and get my feelings hurt while everyone present missed an excellent opportunity to learn something or at least evaluate what they knew.
Jesus has helped me to curb my tongue and contain my attitude when debating in order to profit from its contents. I have learned that keeping things real and relevant is where wisdom hides. Today, I practice James 1:19 (AMPC), Understand [this], my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense, and to get angry.
I was recently sitting in a devotional study meeting when God gave me this question, How do you make your point without it becoming pointed? I have learned that most people will not go for a stiffed arm approach. Ergo once my attitude kicks in, they’re done! I was perplexed as to why God put this on my mind as it now was interfering with my notetaking. I didn’t get to ask Him about it because as quickly as I thought it, He answered. I became a witness to the transformation of the study group when a key question was asked. It was great! The Holy Spirit took charge and as many of you know, for every question asked there will always be many opinions and beliefs on the subject. Well, The Holy Spirit put a brother on point to answer the question to which another brother asked an opposing question, and the conquest blew up into a full-fledged discussion. Every eye in that room was focused, every ear in tune, and every heart in one accord. I have to tell you I was in awe at the level of control displayed in that room as men became open and honest as one question led to another, and biblical answers along with comments flew from every corner of the room. All who had particular points, never once made them pointed! I confess! My participation was minimal as I was trying to capture all of this in my notes, so I wouldn’t forget any of it. Even though the conversation was intense and passionate not one word was said that could be mistaken for animosity or resentment, not even when one man stood up before the group with self-righteous praise. The teaching continued and the attendees were pleased and praised God. That room literally became alive! There was a great sense of fulfillment as this scripture describes 1 Corinthians 14:26 (AMPC), 26 What then, brethren, is [the right course]? When you meet together, each one has a hymn, a teaching, a disclosure of special knowledge or information, an utterance in a [strange] tongue, or an interpretation of it. [But] let everything be constructive and edifying and for the good of all. This is what took place!
Brothers and sisters, I challenge you to talk with God about your gathering together in the name of Jesus to spur your spiritual growth. It’s a time for sharing testimony, voicing challenges, and humbly accepting accountability. Early in my commitment to follow Jesus I didn’t do meetings, or men’s groups, and avoided one on one sessions at all costs. I feared strangers, and one day God through Pastor Joe gave me this advice about meeting strangers, everyone I know today was once a stranger and because of these strangers, I have gained wisdom and spiritual growth. These are today’s friends, and these friends are teaching me to express my point without being pointed. I am proud of God for the strangers He appointed to install an attitude of chill to alert me when it is time to get out of the water. I understand that any head-to-head encounter can only produce a value equal to that of which God is in it. We are to be led by 2 Timothy 2:24 (AMPC), And the servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome (fighting and contending). Instead, he must be kindly to everyone and mild-tempered [preserving the bond of peace]; he must be a skilled and suitable teacher, patient and forbearing and willing to suffer wrong.
Dear Lord, please help us grasp your meaning of 1 Peter 3:15 (AMPC), But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you but do it courteously and respectfully. Help us to lead hearts to you through our understanding of and from you. Amen
HAVE A BLESSED WEEK BY BEING A BLESSING TO OTHERS!
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