Let It Go

I wonder how many of you suffer from the same disorder that afflicts me: I just cannot keep my mouth shut. But sometimes that is exactly what I need to do, especially when it comes to biblical, theological, and ethical conversations at the family picnic.

Several years ago I was having a conversation with my aunt about a certain theological issue. She had never considered the particular point I was making from the Scriptures, but she just knew that I could not be right about it. As the conversation progressed, she finally used the conversation-ending trump card: “Well, that’s just your opinion.” And then she quickly added, “And your opinion is no better than my opinion.”

There have been a few times when I’ve had a helpful theological conversation with my extended family, but for the most part I just scare or confuse them. I am trying desperately to learn that my family does not want (or need) me to fix their theology, any more than I want my cousin to fix my leaky toilet unless I ask for help.

The reality is I would not want a relative coming to Christmas dinner just to spend the whole time talking about the shoddy grout work on my newly installed tile floor. So Iam pretty sure they don’t want (or need) me talking about the “sloppy thinking” that has, in my opinion, played a part in their “poor theology”.

While it is difficult, I am learning to keep some of my opinions to myself and when I do have something to say to reflect the heart of Christ as I say it.

1 Peter 3:15 – But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect