A WORD FOR TODAY, September 25, 2023
Peggy Hoppes
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Blessings. Peg
A WORD FOR TODAY, September 25, 2023
“O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and forevermore." Psalm 131, WEB
I once taught a bible study with a group of ladies at my church. We were a small group, but we had wonderful conversations together about God, the world, and our lives. Another woman joined our group well after we had established our group dynamics, but we welcomed her with open arms. Every group can use a new voice, especially one that challenges us. And this new woman challenged us.
As a teacher I recognize the difficult balance that I have to create in a group. I need to make sure that we stay on topic and get through the subject matter. I need to respect those who would prefer to listen quietly and give an opportunity to talk to those who want to share. I have to make sure that no one member of the group dominates the conversation, including myself. I'm not always very good at it, especially the part of being quiet so others can talk, but I try. The woman who joined our group was not very good at it, either.
It became a problem in our group for several reasons. First of all, she came from a different Christian upbringing than the rest of us and her understanding of the faith was poles apart from ours. It was good, in the beginning, because she challenged us to think about what we believed and find ways to share it. Unfortunately, she was unwilling to listen to what we had to say. She refused to be challenged and even got angry when we differed from her point of view. She often went off topic pulling the conversation in a direction that suited her agenda, rather than working through the subject of the day with the rest of us. She dominated the conversation, rarely giving any of the other members of the group a chance to talk and then arguing with them if they did.
It did not end well; I lost my patience. We apologized to one another, but it was never right again. She eventually left the group. Though the other members assured me that it wasn’t my fault and that it was probably for the best for all of us including the woman, I still feel a sense of responsibility. Was I haughty? Was I too proud? Did I take on matters that were too great for me? It is humbling to have such a great failure. It forced me to stop and listen for God’s voice, to hear His words of forgiveness and encouragement. It forced me to trust in Him and seek His guidance in a new way.
We all have a lot to say; it doesn’t matter which topic. Put two people in a room who like different kinds of soda and you’ll have an argument. It is even worse when we are talking about politics and religion. Sadly, we rarely listen, thinking about our answer getting ready to put our two cents worth into the conversation before the other even finishes their thoughts. Unfortunately, most of us actually manage to put in ten dollars’ worth because we aren’t willing to listen to others. While it is good to firmly believe the things that matter, we must always remember that we are fallible human beings and that we can be wrong. It is important that we remain humble enough to allow others to challenge us so that God can (and He will) guide us in the way of righteousness and truth.
When we are so caught up in our own haughtiness and pride, when we take on matters that are too great for us, we forget to look to the One who has the answers, the One in whom we must trust. Let us quiet our souls so that we can hear God’s Word and follow Him.
A WORD FOR TODAY is posted five days a week – Monday through Friday. The devotional on Wednesday takes a look at the scripture from the Revised Common Lectionary for the upcoming Sunday. A WORD FOR TODAY is posted on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Word-for-Today-Devotional/339428839418276. Like the page to receive the devotion through Facebook. For information and to access our archives, visit http://www.awordfortoday.org