Tuesday, May 19, 2009

A Difference of Opinion
By Susan Klein

“It is to a man’s honor to avoid strife...”
Proverbs 20:3a

Have you ever had a difference of opinion with someone? Silly question! We all have. Did it ever turn into a quarrel? Perhaps you felt certain that you were right, but so did the other person. Aren’t there usually two sides to every story?

Recently, while studying the book of Acts, I came upon the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas. Paul was about to start his second missionary journey and asked Barnabas to accompany him. Barnabas wanted to take his cousin, Mark, along with them. However, Paul apparently did not think he was spiritually mature enough for this journey because he had deserted them on a previous trip. Scripture tells us they had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company! Paul took Silas and headed in one direction while Barnabas took Mark and went the other way. Was one wrong and one right?

Scripture is full of verses that warn against quarreling and strife. Paul even admonishes Timothy to avoid quarrels and to teach others likewise. So, why the sharp dispute with Barnabas? I believe it is a wonderful example for us to see that there are always two sides to every story, and that, occasionally, both people can actually be right! Paul was not wrong in feeling that Mark wasn’t up for the task. After all, he did bail out on them once already. Paul was on a very deliberate mission from God and needed someone trustworthy to accompany him. Barnabas, on the other hand, was a caring and compassionate man who saw a potential in Mark that just needed some nurturing and mentoring. The problem was that each man had his own opinion, and neither thought the other’s was as significant as his own. It all worked out for the best, though, as God so often has it happen. Each man, going his own way, could cover much more territory than both going together.

So what can we learn from Paul and Barnabas? I think that it is important to realize that we are all unique creatures, and we all have differing opinions on some things. When a dispute arises, it is best to “agree to disagree,” and part on good terms, rather than have our differences turn into a quarrel. It might also be wise to take some time to consider the other person’s opinion for some time before making a hasty decision. Perhaps God is showing us a new perspective that we haven’t previously considered.

Let’s take Paul’s advice to Timothy and instead of quarreling, be kind to everyone, able to teach, not being resentful.

GOING DEEPER:
1. How do you handle differences of opinion? Are your eyes open to new ideas God might be showing you?

FURTHER READING:
Proverbs 13:10, 15:18, 17:14; 2 Timothy 2:14, 24-25; Acts 15

Susan is a wife and mother of two. She leads a small group and teaches for Tuesday a.m. Bible Study.
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