Thursday, January 16, 2014

Agree to disagree

Matthew 5:25 - Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him;

The English Standard Version of the Bible says - come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court.

The New Living Translation says - When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly.

The Message Bible says - Or say you're out in the street and an old enemy accosts you. Don't lose a minute. Make the first move, make things right with him.

In Science and Health -- Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him. Suffer no claim of sin or of sickness to grow upon the thought. (S&H 390)

Our Bible Lesson this week includes a continuation of the above quote - "Agree to disagree" with approaching symptoms of chronic or acute disease, whether it is cancer, consumption, or smallpox."

Agree to disagree. Make up your mind, control your own thinking, and know that you can and must disagree with anything idea that suggests or insists that there is something other than God, good, present and operating in your life. Don't allow any lie take hold and grow. Disagree! You have divine authority to do so and God's full backing to demonstrate your dominion over any claim of inharmony.

So as you go through your day and find yourself faced with some type of adversary, some claim or suggestion of illness or lack or inharmony of any kind, for yourself or for anyone else, come to terms quickly with it. If it is a claim of an aggressive nature, stand fast and firm, knowing God is right there beside you. If it is a claim of a personality clash, or some misunderstanding, settle it quickly. Don't let it settle in and build up to some big confrontation. Make the first move. Speak gently and calmly. Make things right. If it a claim of sickness, deny that any such thing could possibly exist in the kingdom of heaven. That is where you dwell and nothing bad can enter into that kingdom because good already fills all space.

I was putting the groceries in my car in the parking lot a few days ago. A woman got out of the car next to me, holding a cloth to her mouth, and obviously in great distress. I asked her if she needed help. She shook her head but she appeared to be in great pain. I asked her if she would like me to pray for her. She seemed surprised but then with a look of gratitude, she nodded her head. So I stood still and prayed silently for a minute or so. Then she got back in her car and they drove away. I used the drive home as a time for continued prayer and gratitude, knowing that her need had been met. I do not know who she was nor did I need to know. I did  not know what the problem was supposed to have been nor did I need to know. Jesus never asked for a name or for details about the challenge, he just healed it. And that is what we are supposed to do as well. Agree to disagree with any picture of imperfection or distress or inharmony. Keep your mind filled with Truth and Love. Truth does the work from there.

No comments: