The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Arguing - Bad Deal For Everyone

Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher

7 January 2004

Why is giving in so hard to do?

Why does arguing creep into our lives so easily?

How does a fellow get his point across without sounding like a bully. After all if we don't put our foot down about some things, we are bound to be run over by the fast movers, shakers, and liberals. You have heard the saying:

"If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything."

We don't want to come across as fools.

Does getting along with everyone mean we must go their way and ignore our own standards or are own desires?

This can have its problems as we have seen in the Biblical account of Sodem and Gomorrah. These two cities were destroyed by God because everyone in them eventually gave in to the crowd of sinners that turned their backs on God, except for one, Abraham's son - Lot.

Dan Ashton said in church Sunday that people who argue among themselves discourage others from joining them. This makes for non-productive work.

For the sake of our churches, businesses, schools, towns, and our families, we must stop before we are labeled as "bull-headed" and unproductive people.

It is okay to have an opinion that differs, but say it with grace and concern for the other guy.

In talking to people outside our counties, I have heard some of our schools and committees labeled as "bull-headed" and not willing to work with others.

I have heard this about churches and some families as well. This is not good, however, we don't want to be so agreeable we fall for anything coming around. So what are we to do?

My daughter says nurses are trained to listen to the concerns and upsets of people who come into the hospital. Although doctors and staff have definite reasons for what they are doing, they must also listen to the families' concerns.

According to a book by George Sweeney called "Talking It Over", he suggests three things.

First "Old fashioned concern for others which comes from who we are and not what we have. It's a quality from the heart. Second- we should resolve to be totally honest and courageous. And third he says, we must acknowledge God as sovereign and show proof of your love for Him and others in all you do to prosper.