WITH A VENGEANCE
Some folks just seem to be contrary. You say black and they’ll say white with a vengeance. Those are the folks that practice arguing as if it were a virtue.
I knew a couple that argued over garbage… just goes to show how endless the supply of things to bicker over there are. He wanted the trash to be rinsed before being tossed in the garbage. It was what he was used to, his culture.
She, especially since she was the one doing the cleaning and keeping, didn’t want to wash the trash like a glass to be reused, just to toss it into the can where its contents would end up three feet under the dirt of the closest municipal dump, what they call landfills these days.He reasoned the rinsing of the garbage would keep the foul smell associated with garbage down. The clean trash, he explained, would also be less likely to attract flies and insects that take to garbage like pigs do to mud holes.
She countered that it was a waste of time and water to rinse trash and that he just needed to take it out more often.
They had heated debates about washing the trash, neither of them willing to yield or consider the other’s perspective. They both figured that their way was the right way and dug in like a donkey.
It’s a peculiar thing about an argument; many times both sides have valid points. In a way, the trash talkin’ trash fighters were both right… but stubborn pride would never let them admit it. Which made them both dead wrong.
The both of them just wanted to win, to get their way. Not so different than most of us, especially when young, which they were.
There’s another group of folks that are more than willing to argue at the drop of a hat, and with a vicious vengeance; Christians.
That’s no surprise to Christians and non-Christians alike. That’s the reputation gained along the way.
People love to be right. It boosts an ego and satisfies the cancer-like pride… for a short time.
As much as folks love being right, there’s something else that holds an even more precious place within them; the hatred of being wrong. But in line just behind the loathing of being wrong is the thorn of not being able to convince or change someone else’s mind. That can bring a prideful person’s blood to a boil in short order.
Some of the most heated arguments are over Biblical issues. There’s a reason a lot of level headed folks live by the adage, “don’t talk politics or religion”. Both can bring out the worst in people… even, or maybe especially, if they’re called Christians.
How is it reasonably intelligent folks can read about the characteristics that should mark the life of a Christian, namely love and humility, and live the exact opposite?
“The world will know you by the love you have for one another.” Maybe it’s time to try living that out… with a vengeance.
Bill (cycleguy)
Sunday, June 19, 2016 @ 11:59 am
There is no doubt we have the tendency to be vengeful people. All one has to do is read the comments on some of the blogs which cover controversial issues. Yikes! Good point Floyd.
saleslady371
Sunday, June 19, 2016 @ 5:51 pm
Two things: 1) How is it reasonably intelligent folks can read about the characteristics that should mark the life of a Christian, namely love and humility, and live the exact opposite? My answer is because we all have blind spots and don’t see our sin patterns easily. That’s why we need each other so desperately if we’re serious Christians so we can help (mirror) each other and reach for that wholeness we are promised in our covenant of faith. 2) Cancer-like pride. When I read this, I thought of how our stubborn pride keeps us from being supple and humble and so full of dis-ease. Lots to ponder!
Oh, Happy Father’s Day!!!!!
Lisa notes
Sunday, June 19, 2016 @ 6:24 pm
Oh, this: “People love to be right.” Yes, I do love to be right. 🙁 Just tonight even. I knew I was right, but I actually kept my mouth closed about it this time. That was the better right. Thanks for the conviction, Floyd. May I heed your wisdom more often.
Betty Draper
Sunday, June 19, 2016 @ 8:33 pm
Oh my goodness, Ace and I had a argument over someone else problems the other day. I think we were both right but had to settle for neither being right over what we argue about. We are such frail, prideful people and I stand in awe that God wants to work with us. A rock would not argue with him and He has the power to make them shout out for Him. Maybe that is it, a rock is only a rock, without passion, without a will, someone must move them for they have no will of their own. So thankful I am the human side of God’s creation and not a rock. You are just getting into meddling with this one, only joking.
Pam Williams
Monday, June 20, 2016 @ 4:22 am
Sometimes, even in the midst of an argument, God will whisper that the other person has a valid point and I might, just may, be wrong. But do I stop and admit it? Not very often. 🙁 Praying I will heed that still small voice of God more often.
June
Monday, June 20, 2016 @ 4:52 pm
I beg to differ. Just kidding. I shamefully admit that I hate to be wrong. I don’t argue with people, but being wrong makes me cranky and tends to bring out the worst in me 🙁 A tender topic, my friend!
Cheryl
Monday, June 20, 2016 @ 9:11 pm
Such great advice….if only I would heed it more often. I think that is one of the countless things I admire most about Jesus. He didn’t have to have the last word…even though He IS the WORD. His Word is final, and He is always right and just. Yet, when He was being accused and mercilessly persecuted, He answered not a word. He didn’t need to prove He was right. He just did not need to do that. Oh, to be more like Him! To just be willing to let it go…to not feel anything rising up from inside. To be that DEAD to self….like He was. Such a shining example He is for us…and His love shines forth through everything you write, brother. Thank you.
Hazel Moon
Tuesday, June 21, 2016 @ 5:42 pm
We do bag up leftovers that have been in the fridge too long, but washing your garbage is new to me. I agree with the lady, just toss it out. Some things to argue about will not get you anywhere, but will rile up anger with some people, especially on the internet. The recent shooting at a gay disco was sad and we are sorry for the families who are grieving, but the remarks of a Baptist preacher from his pulpit that were not so kind – hit the internet. All of a sudden a group of gay people in California decided to do something that was just as unkind and uncalled for and that was to create a rally of protestors. 700 gays and supporters of gays did a protest in front of the Pastors church. Let one Christian put a comment on their notice to come with us and wow all the hate Jesus remarks that come forth. (Naturally I deleted my comment after all the hate remarks on my e-mail.) My gay nephew put a similar rant on Face-Book, and that was a simpler place for my “nice and kind” comment. I had to explain that even though I was sorry this happened, I was more sorry they were NOT children of God, because they were worshiping in the wrong temple. There is only ONE way to heaven, and it was apparent these victims were not followers of Jesus Christ – who is the way to heaven. There is only one other place to go when you die – – so go figure.
Oh well I usually don’t get involved in these things, because you are not going to change anyone by comments. Only the Holy Spirit can do that by conviction and that is what I pray for. Thank you for sharing your awesome story with us here at Tell me a Story. It made my chuckle to myself.
Cynthia
Wednesday, June 22, 2016 @ 5:04 pm
Well…I’ve begun to pray before, during and after I have a point to make. And, I TRY to use a nonaccusing tone. This is so difficult, but it has helped me speak to, be heard and better-hear others. Sometimes, my jaws are clamped and I’m ready to go the long-haul with my beliefs. When this happens, I know that it is all about Cynthia…not Jesus. And, when it comes to judging, I tell myself, “He will be the judge…not, you.” Now, I have my thoughts and beliefs and I lay them at His feet, during the day…all day. Oh, the peace and discernment that comes to my heart and soul. To be able to serve, comfort and take the hand of those who disagree with you, is a blessing. Living Christianity speaks louder than any word you can utter. Now, if I can just always remember this!!!! Growing more quiet and less judgmental, everyday! Much joy, Floyd!