"If you're thrown to the lions, of course you hope you'll be there in the morning to celebrate. But if not, you'll be in the presence of God, and you will have provided a small kindness to a few hungry lions." -Erwin McManus
OK, I'll admit that I've never really thought about conflict in this way before. I've been attacked by "lions" before. I bet you have, too. My competitive nature causes me to want to win at every turn. I don't like to be wrong, and I admit I love it when I've been vindicated. When an attack comes I want to celebrate in the morning.
I'm not sure I like feeding lions, but I think I get what Erwin McManus was referring to his comment. Is it more important to win the battle with the lions or to win the battle by being more like Christ? I know the answer to that question, as do you. But living in the reality of it is tough. I used to bristle at John Maxwell's axiom, "I don't have to survive." I hate to admit it, but the older I get, the more I buy in to it.
When the lions come, so be it. But just a word...I bet I don't taste that good anyway!
This is where I find two verses that come in handy:
ReplyDeleteRomans 12:19 NIV
Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.
And
Romans 12:20 NIV
On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."
Great verses, Julie! I guess this means that when the lions come I should just ask them if they want an arm or a leg? :)
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