He who speaks first seems to be right .. The “reality” I live in… Part 6

“The first to plead his case seems right, until another comes and examines him” (Proverbs 18:17). It is of course, the language of the law courts, where the pros and cons, the pluses and minuses of the case are brought out, so that an intelligent verdict can be arrived at. In our culture however, especially in the court of public opinion, there is more and more pressure to disallow the examination of ideas! And as I have been implying in these posts, when our “truth” is left unexamined, then it feels right, even when it’s a lie!

On top of this, I have observed that we tend to gather ourselves together with those who agree with us. And within these gatherings there is more often than not, a tremendous pressure to conform to the majority view. And again unfortunately, this is true both inside and outside of the church. Part of this pressure comes in subtle and not-so-subtle ways, and those with different views are often ostracized. The result inevitably, is they either conform, or leave or sit silently seething. Since we should be eager to preserve unity (Ephesians 4:3), this pressure ought not to be, especially in the church! Uniformity is not the same as unity! And it seems to me, that these things are part of the reason we have so many different denominations.

It is comforting to be among people with whom we agree, but I have to say that there have been times when I have learnt more from people with whom I disagree, than from those with whom I agree. The verse “as iron sharpens iron, so man sharpens man” (Proverbs 27:17) is relevant here. Of course, one of the implications of the analogy, is that there has to be some friction. In particular, we will likely be taken out of our comfort zone. For this reason, when we speak the truth, it needs to be spoken and received in love and humility (Ephesians 4:15; Galatians 6:1). There is a reason we need to be commanded to to bear with one another and to forgive one another in love (Colossians 3:13).

Father, some of the conversations I have needed to have, have not only taken me out of my comfort zone, they have been quite painful. But we will not be set free, if we refuse to listen to, or resist the truth (John 8:32). We need Your help to listen to one another Lord, to really listen, and not just be waiting for the other person to stop speaking so we can tell him or her “the truth.” This is especially true when we are at loggerheads with one another. So I am praying for myself and those reading this blog this morning Lord, that our speech may be “full of grace seasoned with salt, and that we may know how to answer one another” (Colossians 4:6) in Jesus Name Amen