The Plumbline

Have you ever been roped into an argument just by being in the wrong place at the right time?  It is like some current pulled you into the raging waters and you found yourself just barely able to hold on for the ride!  It isn't enough you were there, the other person wants to make sure you don't escape without "weighing in" on the argument - giving your opinion only opens the door to a more "heated" discussion!  Sheesh!  How did that happen?  Well, it isn't always about whether we "wanted" to argue, it is about how well we "refused" to argue.  Most of the time we don't "want" to argue - we don't get out of bed in the morning with the determination to pick a fight with someone today.  Yet, we might just struggle a little with this ability to refuse to argue - especially when the subject begins to turn toward something we are passionate about, or even us!  Learning to refuse to argue is indeed a skill we each will be ...

On a scale of one to ten, how likely would it be for others to describe you as easy to get along with (ten being the easiest to get along with)?  On most days, I think others may be gracious when giving me a score as high as five! Most of the time, I do my best to mix well with the team I am placed to serve in - whether it is at home, in the workplace, or somewhere in the community. Some of these groups will be easier to have congenial relationships which seem to be characterized by good will and collegial relationships.  In other groups, the "characters" within the group make it a little harder for us to score a perfect ten in this "getting along" category, right?  We cannot always score a ten on this one, though - or can we?  According to what James tells us, a holy life is characterized by getting along with others. Uh oh - now I have gone to meddling!  If we score a ten consistently, it must be because we are embracing this life of God's wisdom, and not liv...