ABC = A Basic Challenge!

“ABC’s”! That which is basic to our language. Sometimes the expression “the ABC’s” is used with reference to the basics of other things: “ABC’s” of plumbing, of cooking, of fishing, etc. The ABC’s relating to conflict in interpersonal relationships is “A Basic Challenge” in all levels of relationships. From the experience of some challenges in my own life and from time spent in counseling trying to help others, I have come to the conclusion that one of the predominating factors leading to conflict is when the focus is TOO MUCH ON SELF. Think about it honestly! In most of the conflicts that have been in your life, has it not been due to either a SELFISH focus on your part, the part of another, or perhaps at least some from both sides?

SELFISHNESS is often at the core of conflict whether that be in the work place, out in society, or even within our own homes. I wish I could say such a problem did not exist in the church, but unfortunately even there SELFISHNESS has raised its ugly head. SELF-CENTEREDNESS is something that worked against a sense of unity even for the church at Corinth during the first century. Other individuals in some cases and self at other times were esteemed a bit more than they should have been (i.e. 1 Corinthians 1:12; 3:5; 4:6; 10:24; 2 Cor. 10:12) and unity was disrupted.

Certainly self-examination is important as we strive to grow spiritually, but too often the focus remains on self-interest in a way that blinds from seeing the cares and needs of others. The basic key to correcting the problem is the “ABC’s” of “Attentiveness Beyond Concerns of self!”

Writing to the church at Rome Paul exhorted…
“(3) For BY THE GRACE GIVEN TO ME I say to everyone among you NOT TO THINK OF HIMSELF MORE HIGHLY THAN HE OUGHT TO THINK, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. (4) For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function,(5) so we, though many, are ONE BODY IN CHRIST, and individually MEMBERS ONE OF ANOTHER.” ( Romans 12:3-5 ESV)

It was by grace that Paul was what he was. ( 1 Corinthians 15:10) As a servant of God He had set self aside and focused on an attitude of servitude. [Note his expressions of this attitude in 1 Corinthians 9:19-22; 2 Corinthians 12:15; Philippians 2:17, Colossians 1:24; 1 Thessalonians 2:5-8; and 2 Timothy 2:10] Paul was effective in ministry because He continued to focus on keeping self out of the way while drawing attention to the Christ Who had graciously redeemed him and made his salvation -- and ours -- possible! The Divine purpose He kept in mind was “that by all means he might save some.” ( 1 Corinthians 9:22) May we keep self in check so as to enable us to maintain the ABC’s” of “Attentiveness Beyond Concerns of self” for the sake of the souls of others. Such should be basic to our walking in the likeness of Jesus Christ.

Have a great day maintaining Actions Based on Christ’s Divine Emphasis For Godly, Honorable, Influential, Just, and Kind Living!
Carl

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