“Are you saying I’m not important?” he shouted.
With that, the volunteer turned to leave…
Stunned, the leader reached out…
“What did I say?” she asked.
You said my position isn’t primary.”
“I won’t serve where I’m not important.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“No position is more important than another. ”
“Primary positions are just the ones we fill first when we don’t have enough volunteers, so we’re spread out across the whole space.:”
“I’m glad you’re here today. Please serve with us,” the leader concluded.
Then the leader started to cry…
Minutes later there was still a tear on her face and a catch in her voice as she told the story…
“The volunteer is serving, but he won’t speak to me or even look at me.”
“I’ve apologized several times. I smile at him, but he frowns and turns his head.”
“I don’t know what to do.”
“I want to get along with everybody on the team.”
A Bible verse came to mind…
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18
How easy it is to remember the last part of the verse…
Live at peace with everyone
How easy it is to forget the first two phrases of that verse…
If it is possible…
As far as it depends on you…
Think of the story of Jesus and the rich young ruler…
Jesus offered the rich young ruler a chance to serve Him…
…If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Mathew 19:21-22
Jesus offered him peace few will ever know.
The choice to accept it or reject it was his.
Notice who went away sad…
The rich young ruler…
Not Jesus.
Jesus simply kept moving forward…
Moving ever closer to fulfilling God’s purpose for his earthly life…
Offering the peace of God to all who would accept it…
Modeling for us the meaning of the verses and calling us to follow Him…
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18
Related Post: Top 5 Bible verses: How to Deal With Difficult People
