Paved-Over Problems
Dear Champions,
The short excerpt is by Ron Hutchcraft, and the Scripture is Ephesians 4:26-27 In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
The news reported that a paving crew on an interstate in Pennsylvania found a dead deer in their path and they did not remove it and just paved right over it! No one could see it now, but they sure felt it! It may seem unbelievable that people actually paved over an obstacle in the road, but it happens all the time in human relationships. Instead of dealing with a conflict or a problem, we just pave over it. But everyone is still going to keep hitting that bump in the road, and it is going to keep causing problems until you get it out in the open and get rid of it.
God has never been a fan of paving over problems. Throughout the Bible, He consistently tells us to do quick repairs, to deal with things while they are small, to face issues rather than burying them. God recognizes there will be times when we get angry, but there is a way to keep that from becoming a hurtful sin. Do not pave over the disagreement or the hurt. Deal with it right away while it is small, before you stuff it and give the devil something he can turn into bitterness and resentment.
Confront in a building up way; not a tearing down way. First, gently explain how you feel, recognizing that your feelings might be wrong. Let them explain what they meant to say or do - often understanding eliminates the issue. Extend to that person who hurt you the same undeserved forgiveness that Jesus extended to you. Then work together on steps that can help you walk together in harmony from here.
The things you have tried to bury are like ticking time bombs or toxic waste dumps. The longer you wait to deal with them, the bigger and deeper they will grow. Peace at any price usually means just war postponed...and bigger than it would have been if you had dealt with it sooner.
Champions, have a great day!-David Vining
Posts
