In Romans 12:18, Paul said, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. ” Personal issues arise because let’s face it, “Opinions are like noses, and everybody as one!” We don’t always agree, that’s for sure. Some disagreements or differences of opinion have long lasting effects. When nations disagree, war follows and lives are lost. I believe that when conflict arises, there are two ways that you can deal with it. You can be the “spoon” or you can be the “lid.”
One of the purposes of a spoon is to mix and stir. I’ve known people who like to “keep the pot stirred,” when it comes to conflict. Don’t you? They can’t drop it. In fact, it seems like they “keep the pot under their desk” because they are constantly mentioning little things and keeping an “issue” alive when it should be over and done. This is very serious for in Proverbs 6:19 we find that “There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.” Paul told Titus to “avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned” (Titus 3:9-11). In other words, God hates a “trouble maker.”
The opposite of being a “spoon,” who keeps the pot stirred is being a “lid.” A lid is a removable covering that restrains, confines, or suppresses whatever is on the inside to come out. When conflict arises, my Friends, we need to “put a lid on it!” We don’t always have to express our opinion. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9). How do you want to be treated? Jesus said, “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise” (Luke 6:31). Paul urged the church in Thessalonica, “And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves” (I Thessalonians 5:13).
Yes, there are “spoons” and “lids” in this world. Which are you? Simply blessed, Courtney
very goof’