Yielding                    

The Bible says: “Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.” Acts 7:51-53 (KJV)

Stephen’s diatribe of truth to the religious leaders and the crowd which gathered to condemn him incited anger and resentment against him. Each one was too proud to admit what he was saying was the truth. Isn’t it that way so often when there is marital strife or for that matter in all human interactions where self-examination is blinded?

 In the summer of 1986, two ships collided in the Black Sea off the coast of Russia. Hundreds of passengers died as they were hurled into the icy waters below. News of the disaster was further darkened when an investigation revealed the cause of the accident. It wasn't a technology problem like radar malfunction, or even thick fog. The cause was human stubbornness. Each captain was aware of the other ship's presence nearby. Both could have steered clear, but according to news reports, neither captain wanted to give way to the other. Each was too proud to yield first. By the time they came to their senses, it was too late.

My father often quoted a few lines which would serve well those who exercise them:

To keep your marriage brimming
          As you drink from the loving cup
          When you are wrong admit it
          And when you are right…
          SHUT UP! 

    Daily Chronological Bible Reading: Numbers 31-32