Understanding People’s Differences
Romans 4:4-6 For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us.
It’s tempting, you know, to treat everyone the same. As though somehow, we are all the same. Let’s face it, by and large, our default position is that everyone sees things the way we do. Everyone experiences things the way we do.
Of course, in theory, we know that’s not true. But in practice that’s pretty much how we behave. And when people don’t see things the way we want them to, when they don’t react to things the way we expect them to, well, we respond with surprise, with annoyance and often times, with anger.
Just as everybody has their own name, so everyone has their own specific God-given gifts. They tend to see things, just as, in fact, we do, through the lens of those gifts. And through the lens of their experience – the good things they’ve been through and the bad things as well.
Come on, what makes us imagine, for one moment, that people all see things the way we do? And why is it that we’re so surprised, when they don’t?! God’s Word is pretty clear on this:
For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us. (Romans 4:4-6)
Take a look at any room full of people, thirty, forty … a hundred, a thousand. And what you’ll notice is that, other than the odd pair of identical twins, everyone is different. Different hair colours, styles, eye colour, complexion … the way they dress, the way they talk. And even the identical twins, when you get to know them, are quite different.
So imagine, I mean just imagine, if we started working, living, interacting with people, building relationships with people, on the basis that everyone is different, rather than everyone being the same. On the basis of getting to know them; their likes and dislikes; their strengths and weaknesses.
Even in just the little things. Some people don’t like to be rushed, so don’t rush them. Some people like to be punctual, so when you’re catching up with them, be on time. Imagine if you took the time to figure out what makes people tick. Your wife, your husband, your children, your brothers and sisters, your work colleagues.
Imagine how differently you’d be able to interact with them, if you knew just these two things about them: the thing that annoys them most and the thing that they find most pleasing. Do you think that would improve your relationships? Do you think it would bring more peace and joy to your life?
It’s not rocket science. God made everyone to be different. It’s time to start treating them that way.
That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.
Blessed by this devotion?
Share it with a friend!
Respond