|
The Revelation of the Courtroom and the Table.
When people with differing views start discussing a matter, they
discuss it in either 2 ways. In the Courtroom or at the Table.
In the Courtroom, people take their arguments, and throw them at
the other side, like Rocks, trying to maximize damage.
Then the
other side takes their rocks and attacks back.
Each side throws
more rocks, and bigger rocks, trying to win the argument like you
would win a war.
And the side that caused the most damage, wins!
In the Courtroom, you don't actually listen to the other sides
arguments, but rather, you just wait for your turn to throw the next
rock.
In the Courtroom, it's an 'US vs. Them' mentality.
Not much good comes out of a courtroom, usually just wounds and
regrets.
In the Courtroom, emotions get inflamed, reputations get
attacked, friendships get strained, and harsh words get spoken.
If you want to win in the Courtroom you need to keep a record of all
the things wrong with your opponent,
and wait for the perfect
time to use it against them.
(1
Corinthians 13:5 '... it keeps no record of wrongs.')
In the
Courtroom, you might be speaking facts, but you're not speaking the
truth in love.
(Ephesians
4:15 "... speaking the truth in love ...")
But the TABLE
is very different.
At the table, people come together and look
at different pieces of a puzzle, trying to understand the pieces
meaning and position.
The purpose of the TABLE is not to win a
battle, but to get a more clear understanding of an issue.
At the
TABLE, there is no 'US vs. THEM,' there is only WE.
It's
easy to stay calm at the Table, because nobody is attacking you.
At the TABLE, it is OK to bring out embarrassing facts, because the
others are not looking to use it against you.
The TABLE is for
friends, not adversaries, it generates understanding, not wounds, it
brings people together, not apart,
it's calm, not heated, its a
discussion, not an argument.
Sometimes it can be difficult
going to the Table, and Not the Courtroom.
If a person is
wounded, they are more likely to go to the Courtroom, because they
want to protect themselves.
If a person is angry, they are more
likely to go to the Courtroom, because they are ready to attack.
If a person has insecurity, they are more likely to go to the
Courtroom, because in the Courtroom,
you never have to actually
listen to the other sides arguments.
And if a person does not
have a love for the truth, they won't come to the Table.
(Matt
7:6 "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls
to pigs...")
But when someone feels loved, it is easy for
them to leave the Courtroom and go to the Table.
Therefore, When
mature and Godly people come together to discuss a matter,
we
should Never do it at the Courtroom, but Only at the Table.
That's where the pieces of the Puzzle, Finally come together.
(1
Cor. 6:7 "When you take another believer to court, you have lost
the battle already...")
|
