This matter arose because some false brothers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves. We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might remain with you.
Few things turn our crank faster than being around big-minded, enthusiastic, broad-shouldered visionaries. They are positive, on the move, excited about exploring new vistas, inspired, and inspiring. While others are preoccupied with tiny tasks and nit-picking squabbles, these people see opportunity in every difficulty and helpful lessons in every setback.
Few things turn us off quicker than being around small-minded, pessimistic, narrow-world, tedious frowners. Engrossed in the minutiae of what won't work and remembering a half-dozen worst-case scenarios, they can throw more cold water on a creative idea than a team of firefighters snuffing out a candle.
It's not caution we resent. Caution is necessary and wise. Caution keeps the visionary realistic. No, it's the tiny-focused, squint-eyed, tight-lipped, stingy soul that drives us batty. The best word is petty . . . as in petty cash, petty larceny, petty minded.
"Pettiness," writes George Will, "is the tendency of people without large purposes."
Petty people are worse than stubborn; they are negative and rigidly inflexible. While we work overtime to come up with some soaring idea, they've already thought up eight reasons it won't fly.
Whatever or wherever or whoever manifests pettiness isn't my concern, however. Stopping its effect on us is. Why? Because the church seems to be the breeding ground for this legalistic disease.
Pettiness takes a terrible toll. It kills our joy!
I have been studying the lives of several of the great visionaries of the church. They were extremely different, yet they all have one common denominator: Not one was petty. I mean not one.
Let me remind you of Paul's reaction to those who "sneaked in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus." He declares, "We did not yield in subjection to them for even an hour" (Gal. 2:5). Nor should we.
Count on this: You will encounter petty types. So when you do, shrug it off and just keep on honoring God as you pursue those large purposes.
Excerpted from Day by Day with Charles Swindoll, Copyright © 2000 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. (Thomas Nelson Publishers). All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.
5 comments:
Amen. And......that stuff is contagious just like negativity. I don't want to walk around with my head in the clouds, but I also don't want to be petty or negative. Someone told me a great story on perspective the other day. They said two guys were in a car accident and both had some significant injuries (very similar in nature). Guy #1's response was that the accident was the worst thing that ever happen to him. He thought, “I will never get over it and my life is ruined”. Guy #2's response was how fortunate am I!! Things could have been so much worse. I could have died and all I got was this injury. You get the gist. We choose our outlooks. We all were car crashes waiting to happen but were saved by the grace of God. Let’s all be glass half full guys for Christ. It is hard for me to imagine Christ reflecting through us if we are negative and pessimistic.
Blessings,
cas
I could not agree more.There is so much stress and negative press these days, especially in my industry. It is at times like these that we are watched more closely for the difference Christ makes. I am all for being "half full". Have a great day.
It's the glass half full or half empty debate. My pettiness depends on how big I think God is or conversely how small I am. When my focus is off from my 'grand purpose' of living out what God has called me to do I have the tendency to get petty.
Scripture says that through Him all things are possible. Another passage in Luke says that if I have faith that a deep rooted tree could be moved to the ocean. We serve an awesome and big God...
CAS, good perspective!
Amen. Keep on shrugging.
"We were all car crashes waiting to happen..."
That's a tragic visual, CAS, and worth keeping in mind as we encounter those around us each day that need to be saved. Great perspective.
Sort of makes being petty...well...petty. Half full for me today.
tba
Post a Comment