It was last week when I realized that I have had very minimal confrontation in my life.
I am young and I know there will be many years in the future where it will feel like hard conversations and controversial decisions are the only things I’m facing in life. But this epiphany has changed my way of thinking.
I’d like to share two of my major thoughts around this topic. Maybe my experiences can save you from the heartache that I’ve allowed myself to go through.
First
I’ve come to the realization that I can’t take responsibility for every conversation and situation. I did this with so many relationships and I truly believe that’s why they failed. Whether they were interactions with co-workers, friendships or dating relationships, I always thought it was my fault. Often the other party let me believe that lie. And you bet I blamed myself for the failure. Actually, responsibility is one of my top five strengths according to StrengthsQuest from Gallop, but that doesn’t mean I need to be responsible for other people’s actions too!
Second
Living with minimal confrontation means I haven’t been living the best christian version of myself. According to the book of Ephesians, the world is evil and people have sinful and evil desires.
Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,
but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world
and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (NIV)
So, if there has been little confrontation, there has been much compromise. Compromise with the world is not how God strives for us to live.
Check out
1 John 2:15 Do not love the world or anything in the world.
If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.
and
Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world,
but be transformed by the renewal of your mind,
that by testing you may discern what is the will of God,
what is good and acceptable and perfect.
It means I have been accepting thoughts, ideas and ways of life that are not fixed on heavenly pursuit. Have you been accepting situations as normal that God is calling you to refute? Or taking responsibility that isn’t yours to take?
I urge you not to become complacent with your current situation. I’d love to hear about it and help you take next steps to change your world.
Stay adventurous friends!
