George Barna’s latest post about Christians disagreeing is worth a read. The Ventura based Church statistician has profound awareness of one of the major dysfunctions within society today, particularly in the Christian world – disagreeing badly.
Since the inception of his successful company, the Barna Group, George has adhered to iron-clad rules, one of which applies here: “..we never say anything negative about those with whom we disagree.” He elaborates, “It is disheartening to witness (and experience) the hostility within the body of believers about differences in beliefs and practices. I know; some people believe they have figured it all out and feel they have been charged by God with making sure everyone sees things as they do… if the world is supposed to know us by our love, shouldn’t it begin with how we treat each other?”
Disagreeing well is not learned at college or by book, it is a realtime learned response that is forged through arduous conversation and conflict resolution. I’ve mishandled many disagreements, and sadly, I continue to do so in my human brokeness. The few people that I have observed handling disagreements well, both in conflict and enduring criticism have been through emotional wars that make me quake like a child. Those few stalwarts all have one strength, in particular, I think that we wish we had more off – humility.
Is the way we handle disagreements, conflict and criticism an accurate indicator of our humility, maturity, and perhaps are understanding of what it is to love unconditionally? I think so.
N
Comments on this entry are closed.