Something happened yesterday that made me spittin’ mad. Since I avoid conflict at all costs, I am usually pretty quick to walk away and let things go. While I did walk away, I have not let this go in my mind. (Confession: before I walked away, I did glare and utter a comment.)
I have been thinking on this incident, chewing on it, trying to pinpoint what ignited my anger, how to resolve it, and what – if anything – should be my follow-up response.
I’ve concluded what has bothered me most is that the actions of this individual, who is a professing Christ-follower, were totally out of line with the attitude and character Christ-followers are instructed to possess. As usual, the more I chewed on it, the more my own flaws and failures became obvious.
I need to be aware both my actions and attitude impact my testimony. Note to self: use the impact for good.
I was not called to be served, I was called to serve. Not just in self-elevating and public tasks, but in the menial and unnoticeable ones.
I am not as good as I think I am. No one or nothing is below me.
I can be replaced. Easily and quickly.
I need to get out of the way if I am not willing to help. Literally and figuratively.
I need to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. Add water, not fuel, to a fire.
It’s not all about me. Never was. Never will be.
So y’all please hold me accountable. And when I miss the mark – call me on it!
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. ~ Galatians 5:22-23