Good Point!
by Scott Schultz, Elder
“The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb.” (Psalm 19:7-10 NLT)
Those are good points!
The saying "when you point a finger, three fingers point back at you” somehow comes to mind. And from that I came up with the following as insights for peaceful living with others:
Everyone has a point.
Listen to understand, and hold back those talking points.
Seek “listening points."
In his sermon Being People of Peace in the Age of Rage Part 2, Steve Peich said:
“We are called to be peacemakers, not point-makers. We Christians are way too committed to being point-makers than being peacemakers. When I counsel folks, it's like they read James 3:18 like this: "Point-makers who make their points reap a harvest of righteousness.”
“Point-makers want to win, but peacemakers want to heal. So, when you need to work things out with someone, put winning aside and make your aim healing and understanding. If you start with the goal to win, I'm telling you right now, you've already lost.”
Here are a few related ideas I (Scott) came up with:
Practice peacemaking by pointing out someone when they are doing good.
Start at your workplace (co-workers) or your home (loved ones).
Ask yourself: Is the other person an asker or an arguer? How about me?
The apostle James wrote: “You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.” (James 3:18 The Message)
During the Lenten season, what can I give up to be a peacemaker?
My pride? In Christ alone ... boast in Jesus!
“Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.” (1 Cor 1:31)
My need to have the last word?
“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. (James 1:19)
My hesitancy to share the Gospel?
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever. Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others He has redeemed you from your enemies.” (Psalm 107:1-2)
You may be wondering––what’s my point?
Point to Jesus! And as you do that, three fingers point back at you:
He created you!
"You are the one who put me together inside my mother’s body, and I praise You because of the wonderful way You created me..." (Psalm 139:13-16)
He loves you!
"Think how much the Father loves us. He loves us so much that He lets us be called His children…" (1 John 3:1)
He died for you!
“He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead!” (Luke 24:6)
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, as we look forward to another Easter, the celebration of the hope that is only found in the resurrection, help us to point to Jesus in all of our interactions with our neighbors. Help us to be peacemakers. Amen!
