Daily Devotional for March 23, 2022

 
Earlier this week, our garbage disposal quit working.  Usually, this would not be much of an issue because I would simply install a new one.
 
The problem is, I recently had back surgery which meant crawling under a sink, twisting, and turning my back were out of the question.  That’s when Shannon stepped in.
 
She bought a new disposal and decided to tackle the job on her own.
 
I was very worried.  Would she lose a hand? Would she electrocute herself?  There was a lot of room for error.
 
As she started removing the broken disposal, I realized it was not how I would have done it.  I decided not to say anything.
 
As she installed the new disposal, I realized it was not how I would have done it.  I decided not to say anything.
 
When she flipped the switch, the new disposal quietly hummed the way it was supposed to.  I congratulated her on a great job.  That was the moment I learned something.
 
Shannon and I are two very different people who do things in different ways.  Just because her process was different than mine didn’t mean she was wrong.  It was different.
 
We live in a world that operates out of a mentality that says, “It’s my way or the highway.” 
 
There is no tolerance for difference or dissenting opinions.  If you have a different view, you are mistaken, wrong, and evil.
 
If someone has a different view, it doesn’t mean they have bought into some sort of mistaken evil.  It means they have a different view.  It’s not the end of the world.
 
When the Church began, it was made up of Jewish converts but very quickly it spread into the Greco-Roman world.  This is when cultural differences came to the forefront.  The choice for the early missionaries was to insist on all Christians conforming to a cookie cutter mentality or something greater.
 
Paul said, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:2-3)
 
Being different is not bad.  It’s different.  
 
What matters is how we treat those who see things differently.
 
Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, please help me relate to everyone I encounter with humility, gentleness, love, and peace.  Guide my thoughts, words, and actions.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.
 
Wouldn’t the world be a very boring place if everyone was the same?  Being different is not a bad thing.
 
Also, if you need a handywoman to replace your garbage disposal, rebuild engines, or pull calves, I have decided to rent Shannon out.   
 
Just let me know.
 
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins