How we handle differences can reveal how we are maturing spiritually! Differences are a testing ground for how we respond to challenges, to opinions strongly stated, and to disagreements. Differences need not bring division, but they can. In fact, when those disagreeing begin to polarize, they may “reach” for other proofs or substantiations. That was happening in the church in Corinth. The differences were now dividing. People were choosing sides, and as the polarizing increased so did the lack of spiritual maturing. Those at odds began to declare who they were “following” or thinking after. Some said Paul. Others declared Apollos was their mentor – the one they thought like. Rather than staying in the conversation, trying to listen and working to hear, they powered up and claimed Paul or Apollos as their think alike!
Differences do go deep. They elevate our passions and our insecurities. In hot moments of differences we are likely to reach for a “bigger stick,” like name dropping or position dropping. Far more difficult, and yet far more mature, is to go through the differences as a learning moment, working to hear the other and to listen beyond their words to their heart.
And oh, by the way, the place to begin this might be in the home, working to listen more deeply to your spouse or parent or child; refusing to power up in voice, language or position. If we can figure out how to do it in our home, we might be able to live it among others in our world.