It's My Way or the Highway!

“My ears are plugged. I don’t want to hear your side of the story. My mind is made up. Please don’t try to reason with me. I won’t budge an inch. I have no intentions of modifying my position or changing my perspective. When I make up my mind, I dig in my heels. I’m not a waffler. I stand firm – I’ve got a spine. I’m no jellyfish. I don’t care what anybody says – don’t try to dazzle me with verses or what other Godly saints have taught. My Bible tells me this and I am sticking with it! Frankly, I’m not interested in other perspectives and yes, you can call me close minded. I don’t care. I know what this verse means so that’s the end of the discussion!”

So is this a Christian with conviction or what? Is this the way we are supposed to be? Are attitudes and behaviours like this characteristic of a Godly saint who is anchored in the Truth? Not according to the Apostle James!

Of all the New Testament writers, James seems to zero in on Christian attitudes and behaviour almost exclusively. “Forget about talking to me about Christ if you are not exhibiting Christ-like behaviour. If your behaviour contradicts your so-called beliefs – don’t even mention what you profess to believe to me.”

When James described Godly wisdom or wisdom from above he said it was distinguished by several things:

The wisdom that is from above is first –

1. Pure,

2. Then peaceable,

3. Gentle, and

4. Easy to be intreated,

5.  Full of mercy and good fruits,

6.   Without partiality and 7. without hypocrisy.

James 3:17

Based on the opening paragraph, which word or phrase in James’ list do you think is the springboard for this Bible Bite? It is characteristic #4. A Godly person has among other things this quality: they are easy to be intreated. They are sweetly reasonable. They are willing to yield. They are open to new information. They are reasonable people, open to hear what others have to say. Willing to learn from others. Willing to reconsider the meaning of a verse.

The expression “easy to be intreated” is only found here in the New Testament. Christians who have spiritual wisdom are marked by a conciliatory attitude. They are ready and fully prepared and in fact, offer to cooperate whenever a better way is shown. The expression means the opposite of being unyielding and stubborn. Wisdom from above will NEVER cause a Christian to say: “I don’t care what you say. I will never, no never change my mind.”

We should ALWAYS care what others say. We should always be respectful. Our attitude should never be one of arrogance and we should never be marked by stubborness. Close mindedness is not spiritual mindedness. We should always listen to learn in case there is new light to be shed on a matter - not listen to collect ammunition to shoot the other Christian down.

Does that mean you should not be anchored in the Truth or that you shouldn’t have firmly held convictions as a believer? Absolutely not! It just means that when someone challenges your convictions, you should humbly and openly listen and ask the Lord to further enlighten you and give you the grace to accept any new spiritual insights there might be on a verse or a subject.

Be sure to enjoy the Lord today.

Warmly in Christ,

Peter Ramsay

Beatles' John Lennon: "I Want Out of Hell." Read the latest story on: www.heaven4sure.com