“Just Let It Go”
By Rev. Everett R. Kimble, Sr.
“So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God. “When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison. And if that happens, you surely won’t be free again until you have paid the last penny. — Matthew 5:23-26 (NLT)
“To be a Negro in this country and to be relatively conscious is to be in a rage almost all the time” James A. Baldwin.
This quote by the prolific writer James Baldwin is one of truth, but it is also one that makes me pause and think about what it means to be Christian, and the sentiment is the same. “To be Christian in this country and to be relatively conscious is to be in a rage almost all the time.”
All over the world people are shouting and pushing, fighting and cursing, and right in the middle of all of this shouting, pushing, fighting, and cursing is Christians. In some cases, Christians are the ones causing the hostility, and in other instances trying to stop it. Becoming ambassadors of Christ and getting bombarded by a world dead set on destroying itself can cause us to appear to be in a rage almost all of the time because people know just how to push our buttons. The problem is not so much in getting frustrated or a little angry when folk push our buttons; the problem comes when we refuse to let go and let God.
This passage serves as a reminder to just let it go. And here is where I want to encourage someone today. Take control of your buttons. People may know where and what your buttons are, but you control how, if, or when they are pushed. When someone talks about you, let it go. When they lie on you, let it go. When they use you and take advantage of you, let it go. Remember the goal was never to make them change, but to allow God to reveal the change in you which includes love and forgiveness. Personally speaking, I know I’ve been changed, and it feels good.
“So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, “Leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God” (Matthew 5:24, NLT).
Just let it go!
You are already blessed, have a wonderful and peaceful Friday!