Through the years I served as a Worship Director, and now as an Executive Director of a nonprofit. I have dealt with the aggravation, the angst, and the disappointment of people who are challenging and really bug me.
In my own personal world, I have had struggles with friends and family members who, at the very least, are the ones I deem the “drive-me-crazies.” If you’re anything like me, you’ve dealt with the same thing!
This week, I had a strange conversation with someone that went like this:
Greeting/conversation/stupid comments/me feeling annoyed/me left wondering how do I even respond/me feeling more annoyed.
I prayed and opened my Bible seeking the only One who really gets Crazy-Land people and knows how to deal with them … Jesus.
In Matthew 16:1-4, we see the setting … the Pharisees and the Sadducees are doing what they do so well … bugging Jesus.
Step 1. “The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven.” (the initial bugging)
Step 2. Jesus … Listening to them.
Step 3. Jesus … Thinking before responding.
Step 4. “He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” (healthy, honest response).
Step 5. “Jesus then left them and went away.” (just walk away).
Jesus listened to the people who bugged Him. But, after remaining calm and dealing with them, he is honest and walks away.
Step 1: Take a deep breath and remain calm
Step 2: Listen … listen … and then listen some more
Step 3: Think before you respond.
Step 4: Don’t fight, but be honest, real, and authentic
Step 5: Forgive and walk away.
[callout]This week, I remained calm, listened, thought about how to respond, and then said my authentic honest piece and walked away.[/callout]
I may not have a friendship out of this relationship, but then again, I guess I really don’t want one. After all, Jesus stuck by 12 friends who were only slightly irritating once and awhile.
He just loved people like crazy, dealt with them honestly … and gently, ever-so-wisely … walked away.