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A conversation topic that has come up (and thus been on my mind) over the last few weeks has been on responsibility.  Though I can’t quite remember the exact instance, from one such conversation came this (inexact) quote. “When I am given information, I now have a responsibility to steward it well.”  As Pastor Danny has wrapped up his ‘Theology of Disagreement’ series, something stood out to me in the notes.  “Do I actually plan to prioritize the virtues of Christ in approaching disagreement??”

The reason why this stood out to me is because it has words that describe intentionality. Do I intend to take what was given me and run with it faithfully?  I have found I can have great “intentions.”  Those who know me well might chuckle as they read this.  But often my good intentions remain simply that, because no effort goes into them, and I get distracted by other things in life.

Something that I have found helpful in actually putting into action that which I am responsible for comes from 1 Peter 1:13 where Peter gives two steps in prepping to obey what he is about to command them to do.

He tells them first to “[prepare] your minds for action.”  Have I purposed in my head that this is something I’m going to do?  The idea behind this could be stated as “fully prepare yourself to work towards an objective.”  I have found many times when I am at work that when I have not just resigned myself to my task, but actually lean into it, so much more is accomplished!  And I need to apply the same to this.  I want to lean into getting better at disagreements.  Not just flippant, but purposeful.  So, I am thinking even right now, “How can I take what Pastor Danny has taught me and start implementing it to the disagreements I am facing.”

The second thing Peter says is to “[be] soberminded.”  This one has a pretty straight forward meaning. Sober means not under the influence of anything, or not under its control.  One way this has been helpful to me is to think through distractions.  What is it that will distract me from what has been set before me?  What will make my vision “cloudy” in this area so I won’t be ready to react well?  For me, I want to take things personally which then clouds  proper responses.

Peter’s instructions hit me hard because I know I don’t like confrontation.  So, my temptation will be to not lean into it, but to, instead, act like it’s not there and find things to distract me from the awkwardness of it.  Because of this, I know I will need to work harder than usual at this.  But that is good!  Humbling yourself and obeying God is very hard work, but it is such good work!