I arrived at a four way stop just a second after two other cars seemed to arrive simultaneously. Of course I waited. It wasn’t my turn. The other two both decided it was their right of way. So I had a front row seat as I watched two very nice cars smash into each other. Both of the drivers got out of their cars and each was hot. I left. I realize I was a witness and should have stayed but I wasn’t about to get punched out by both of them by saying they were both wrong.
In Romans 12:10 Paul tells us to “prefer one another.” In the paraphrase The Message it says, “Practice playing second fiddle.” It is quite obvious the accident would not have occurred had either of them practiced Paul’s counsel. It isn’t always an easy thing to do. We do so like to be the first. We like to shine. When people talk we wait for them to take a breath so we can jump in and tell our story which, of course, is always a bigger and better story.
One can understand this behavior among those who don’t know any better but how sad it is to see it in church. One night on the television program American Idol one of the contestants commented on how very good one of his competitors was. One of the judges reprimanded him for not being competitive. Needless to say Paul would have been appalled. One of life’s great joys is to treasure the talents of one’s friends. I have discovered along the way my life is rich because I have rich friends. By rich I mean multitalented and very smart. Surround yourself with good friends and help them shine.
Written by Roger Bothwell on September 30, 2009
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
rogerbothwell.org