Ear Grabbing

For Monday, October 22, 2007
Proverbs 26:17

Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own
is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears.

As a dog will turn on and snap at whoever tries such a move, so will the quarrellers turn on whoever tries to "help." Helping is what we think we are doing when we involve ourselves. Isn't that what Christians are to do, especially when other Christians are quarrelling? Are we not to be peacemakers?

To be peacemakers, we must exercise wisdom. And the first step in wisdom is to discern when and when not to get involved. We need to discern when our involvement is true help or being meddlesome. Often our involvement only stirs the pot for a number of reasons. For one thing, we step into the middle without understanding. We don't understand the real cause of the argument, mistaking what they are fighting about as being the real issue, when it is much deeper. We get involved often when we have heard only one side of the story, not knowing that it is distorted. We get involved without being asked and thus earning resentment from both parties. Until they are ready for intercession, any attempt - especially any blundering attempt - will only aggravate them more.

We get involve for the wrong reasons. We overestimate our own ability, meddling in a matter that is beyond our skill. We tell ourselves we want to help, when we really want to be acknowledged for our help. Then we get offended when our help is not welcomed or acknowledged. We get involved with arrogance, believing that we know better than the quarrellers, that they are foolish or at least know less than we. Such arrogance and naivety is quickly seen and rejected.

When then do we get involved? Pray for wisdom and for the right opportunity. The Lord will lead. We can ask if our help is wanted, and do not be offended if it is turned down. The key is to pray and to observe well, biding our time.