Arguing in the Backseat

This week, as we head out “On the Road” we are asked to reflect on Mark 10:32-45. When we first read the passage, the title of “Arguing in the Backseat” came up. Now, my brother and I were a rare sort; we never argued, even on long road trips. I would read in the car or sleep, so I didn’t really have a chance to argue or bicker (boy do I hope Grace and Will are the same way!).  However, while walking with the text, I found myself drawn to a plaque that someone in Karen’s family gave us that hangs on our wall besides my sink. It’s entitled, “Rules for a Happy Marriage” but I’ve found they are true for just about any relationship. So perhaps this week you’ll find yourself arguing in the backseat or just in some sort of heated conversation. If you do, here’s our STOP, LOOK, LISTEN, and MOVE for this week:

STOP:   Jesus pulls his disciples aside this week when they misunderstand what he is talking about.

Rule 10: It takes to two make a quarrel, and the one in the wrong is the one who does the most talking

Sometimes we need to close our mouths as our first step to anything. Do we need to do this more often than we do?

LOOK:  Jesus points out the Gentile rulers and says, “Look, they are doing this incorrectly. Be better than that.”

             

         Rule 9: When you have done something wrong, be ready to admit it and     ask for forgiveness.

When have our assumptions or expectations gotten in the way of the relationship we have with the person we’re arguing with? Take a step back and take a long look at them.

LISTEN:   James and John seriously forget this step

                

          Rule 2: Never yell at each other unless the house is on fire.

     

     Often, we don’t hear the people we are arguing with, we just want to get to our point. This week, don’t just wait for your turn to talk- actively listen to whoever you are with.

MOVE:    Jesus kept moving toward Jerusalem, even though he knew what it would   cost

              

          Rule 7: Never go to sleep with an argument unsettled

     

     So many discussions are about winning someone over to our side. This week, if you disagree with someone, can you find a way to create common ground? It’s harder, but needed.

Pastor Jon Wolf