For many of us the assurance of an eternity spent in heaven may be the most glorious thing about become a Christian. The restoration of the relationship with God may take top honors for other Believers. The benefits of becoming a Christian are boundless. However, living the Christian life not always so much fun.
That whole, "Love your neighbor as yourself" thing. (Mark 5:31) You take my coat, I am supposed to give you my shirt also! ( Luke 6:31) If someone has something against me, I am to go to him? (Matthew 5:23)
Today my obedience to God was uncomfortable, but once I had pushed through the discomfort, I was able to let go of some negative.
This morning I had to take our little camper to a local car audio shop to get the DVD player repaired. The events leading up to this morning's appointment had been fraught with folly, so I was already a bit on edge. When I went to pick up the camper, it was sitting outside with the door open and show piling up in side on the mattresses. That was the final straw.
When I went in to pay, I let them know displeased I was and they would no longer receive any of my business. (I bet the threat of my $49.00 missing from their bottom line still has them shaking.) I didn't yell, swear, or threaten, but my tone of voice and demeanor were far from Christ like.
As soon as I walked out the door, I know I blew it. I tried to rationalize. I tried to justify. I tried to ignore. But that still small voice kept pecking away. I knew I needed to call the gentleman I was working with at the dealership and apologize, but that was uncomfortable.
"They had left the door open."
"Call and apologize."
"I am not ever going to go back anyway."
"Call and apologize."
"I didn't swear or yell."
"Call and apologize."
Within the hour, it was clear that the voice inside my head wasn't going to shut until I called. Then butterflies, I called. Thankfully the person I needed to speak with answered the phone. He was very gracious in accepting my apology. Immediately I felt better. A weight was lifted.
Did they make a mistake? Yes. Will I go ever go back? No. Was my anger pleasing to God? No Was He pleased with my obedience? Yes. At the end of the day, the call was tough to make, but the peace that followed made it worthwhile.
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