No one likes not getting their own way. You don’t, I don’t. It began at a very young age, when we started throwing tantrums. And sometimes, let’s be honest, we still want to chuck a tanty, yeah?!

In the 12^th century, Thomas Becket, as Archbishop of Canterbury, clashed bitterly with King Henry II over the limits of church authority. They’d been close friends but once he became Archbishop, Beckett refused to yield to the king’s wishes, even in things that really didn’t matter.

Eventually, his insistence on getting his own way led to his assassination. Had Becket shown humility and sought peace, both his life and church-state relations would likely have fared a great deal better.

Getting our own way seems so darned important in the midst of conflict that we all too easily lose sight of what really matters.

Philippians 2:3-4 In whatever you do, don’t let selfishness or pride be your guide. Be humble, and honour others more than yourselves. Don’t be interested only in your own life, but care about the lives of others too.

A funny thing happens when we choose to yield, when we lay aside our selfish pride, when we begin truly, deeply honouring others above ourselves … peace breaks out.

Of course we should stand against wrongdoing, but most of the time it’s our own pigheadedness that fuels conflict, is it not? What conflict are you involved in at the moment where you have the opportunity to yield? Honestly, how would it play out if you did?

Don’t be interested only in your own life, but care about the lives of others too.

Get comfortable with not getting your own way

That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.