Contrarian

Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Phil 2:1-4 (NKJV)

Years ago I was in a Board Meeting. The Board of Directors consisted of 14 individuals. (12 men and two women) The issue was up for a vote. 13 voted "yes" and 1 voted "no." The motion before us was not very important. The motion suggested that the church spend a small amount of money for the purpose of hiring some much needed secretarial help, and we had the money in hand. Now let me tell you what mattered. The vote was 13 to 1. The one individual wasn't voting against the motion, because it violated their conscience, a Biblical principle, or for any real just cause. They voted against everyone else as a shot across our bow that declared that they would not be walking in unity with the rest of the group, nor submit to the leadership of the chairman.

Make no mistake about it--there are times when a Believer needs to stand up and be counted. It is possible that the vote is 13 to 1 and the one vote was the right vote. It reminds me of the 12 spies that were send out by Moses to check out the Promised Land. Out of the 12 reports that were returned to Moses, only two of the reports were positive and filled with faith. It is possible to be the voice of opposition and be on the right side of the issue; however, most 13 to 1 votes are indicative of a contrarian. Someone who doesn't get along or play well with others.

"Being of one accord" is not an easy thing to achieve. Attaining and maintaining unity in the church requires submission. True submission only begins at the point of disagreement. When one of the parties involved will be required to bend their will in order to walk in unity. Giving in to someone--especially, when you are convinced that you have a better idea--is not a normal human response. Submission starts with an attitude of humility, "considering the interests of others" as more important than your own. Next time you find yourself on the wrong end of a 13 to 1 vote--see if you can put on the garment of submission and promote unity.

Prayer: "Dear Heavenly Father, I think that my ego needs some taming. It is hard enough to listen to the ideas of others much less consider their ideas as more important than my own. My exalted view of myself is laughable, but will be tragic if allowed to go unchallenged. Lord, help me to humble myself and to be a peace-maker rather than a contrarian. I would rather be one who walks in unity than one who causes division. Make it so...Lord, make it so! Amen"