Time to Grow Up

Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. (Proverbs 18:1-2 ESV). The following list was written in reference to toddlers and their possessive nature. I think as you read it you will find that it applies to more than just children! 1. If I like it, it’s mine. 2. If it’s in my hand, it’s mine. 3. If I can take it from you, it’s mine. 4. If I had it a little while ago, it’s mine. 5. If it’s mine, it must never appear to be yours in any way. 6. If I’m doing or building something, all the pieces are mine. 7. If it looks just like mine, it’s mine. 8. If I saw it first, it’s mine. 9. If you are playing with something and you put it down, it automatically becomes mine. 10. If it’s broken, it’s yours. A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Kevin, 5, and Ryan, 3. The boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake. Their mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson. “If Jesus were sitting here, He would say, ‘Let my brother have the first pancake; I can wait.” Kevin turned to his younger brother and said, “Ryan, you be Jesus!” Selfishness never benefits the individual. Whether it is negotiation with strangers or those in your family, a generous spirit will always yield more than miserly selfishness. For some of us it is time to grow up! I have found it telling how many relationships are damaged or destroyed simply because one or both of the individuals have not learned this important truth. We do not live isolated from others. We live in relationship. The moment we begin to demand our needs be met is the moment that those needs will go unmet. The truth of Jesus’ life is a stark contrast for us to meditate about today. It is through sacrifice that we gain; it is through death that we live. My dad had a wonderful little proverb that illustrated this principle for me. He would often say that you “catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.” It was another way to teach me that kindness to both our friends and enemies will win; unkindness simply won’t win. I wonder how many times I could have done so much more by applying this truth? It really is an easier way to live!