Sometimes lemons are life-giving
Don’t let your personal preference be the litmus test for whether or not you see another person as worthwhile.
My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? (James 2:1)
Do you know what pirates and other sea-faring folks ate while they were sailing on the oceans? I mean, it was mostly hardtack and preserved meats. I’m certain they didn’t eat very well. As a result, more sailors died on ships due to sickness than in combat, until 1795 when the Royal Navy mandated that ever sailor was to take three-quarters of an ounce of lemon juice every day. `
Just like that, a little bit of lemon juice saved the day. I’m sure it tasted terrible. I’m not a fan of lemons, personally, but if it would keep me from getting scurvy, I’d take it! Wouldn’t you?
Isn’t it interesting that a consistent diet of foods without the nutritional content they needed resulted in so much chaos and disaster?
Sometimes sticking with our favorites feels like the right thing to do, like when we’re ordering food at a restaurant or when we’re inviting friends to a social event. But are our favorites always what’s best for our health?
Playing favorites doesn’t always start with malicious motives. Sometimes it begins innocently. Most of the time, I’m convinced that people don’t exclude others because they’re are being mean or hateful; I honestly think it happens because it’s easier to connect with people who think like we do.
At least, that’s the case for me. I’m so introverted that going outside my comfort zone to connect with someone who is different from me is a huge drain on my energy. But what happens if you only spend time with people who think the way you do?
What happens if you only spend time with people who have a shared experience with you? What happens if you only spend time with people who see the world the way you do? What happens if your perspective or your beliefs are never challenged?
Well, for one, you’ll get mired in a system of beliefs that are unique to your circumstances and your social circle. It might work for you and for your close friends, but it won’t be relevant to anyone else.
There is danger in refusing to allow your beliefs to be challenged. There is danger in that kind of unity, where your comfort zone is composed of people who agree with an opinion. When you allow dissenting views into your circle, you get an opportunity to deepen your understanding of any given topic. Sure, it will cause some conflict, but not all conflict is bad.
The best way to truly understand another person (or even a topic of study) is to ask questions. Question what you believe. Question what someone else believes. Don’t be afraid of it.
If you know Jesus, asking questions should be second nature to you. Jesus was the master of answering questions with another question. Not because He was trying to be difficult, but often because to understand the real question, first you have to understand the heart of the person asking it.
Obviously there need to be boundaries with this, and we all need to hearty dose of discernment and wisdom to know where those boundaries need to be.
Don’t be afraid to challenge your own beliefs. Don’t fear to take a good hard look at why you believe what you believe. Make sure it matches up with Scripture. Make sure you’re on the straight path. And don’t take offense when someone asks you why you believe what you believe. On the contrary, rejoice about it and then be ready to give an answer for your hope. That’s why we’re here.
Some boundaries are important and need to be honored, but don’t think ill of someone else just because you disagree with them. If you haven’t made space to consider why they believe what they believe, you should. It doesn’t mean they are right. But it also doesn’t mean they’re wrong either.
Don’t let your personal preference be the litmus test for whether or not you see another person as worthwhile. That person you think so poorly of could be an opportunity to learn something precious about your faith.
Sure, some people aren’t healthy to be around in general. But the rest of the world? They might be sour. They might be bitter. They might be sweet. But no matter where they stand or what they believe, they’re still worth a chance.
Questions for Reflection
How does always sticking to your favorites limit you?
Why do you think Jesus asked so many questions?
What is the difference between a toxic person and someone you simply disagree with?
Weekly Memory Verse
