“O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open. You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections.” — 2 Corinthians 6:11-12
When it comes to relationships and interacting with others we would all admit we are works in progress… I remember a story I read in Campus Life magazine:
“If you think your family has problems, consider the marriage mayhem created when 76-year-old Bill Baker of London wed Edna Harvey. She happened to be his granddaughter’s husband’s mother. That’s where the confusion began, according to Baker’s granddaughter, Lynn. “My mother-in-law is now my step-grandmother. My grandfather is now my stepfather-in-law. My mom is my sister-in-law and my brother is my nephew. But even crazier is that I’m nomarried toto my uncle and my own children are my cousins.” From this experience, Lynn should gain profound insight into the theory of relativity.
The Carnegie Technological Institute has stated that 90% of all people who fail in their life’s vocation fail because they cannot get along with people.
It is an interesting thing that is happening here. There is a fork in the road, a moment of truth in the RELATIONSHIP between theapostle Paul and the Corinthian church. Paul, as an ambassador of Christ, a man under authority and a man of authority has delivered some real observations and corrections to the Corinthian church (all of 1 Corinthians). Now, in the 2nd letter he is opening up his heart to them. Now, the ball is in their court. They can choose to shut down, hold their cards close to their vest and stay closed off to Paul. Or, they can open up, be themselves, realize Paul was placed by God in their lives for a reason and let God work. As often is the case, the choice is ours.
Some Tips On Getting Along With People:
The SIX most important words:
“I admit I made a mistake.”
The FIVE most important words:
“You did a good job.”
The FOUR most important words:
“What do you think?”
The THREE most important words:
“After you please.”
The TWO most important words:
“Thank you.”
The ONE most important word:
“We”
The LEAST important word:
“I”
May God by His Spirit lead you into healthy godly Christ-centered relationships.
By His Spirit,
Pastor Bill