In the Same Direction

by Debbie Poer

Has there ever been a time when you have identified with the guys in the photo? Your ministry team is in a meeting and a topic has been presented that is causing members of the team to be working against one another instead of with one another. More than likely, if you are or have experienced something similar you do not see the humor in it like Greg and Jim are experiencing. 

The thing is, we can so quickly become wrapped up in using all our strength to make our point or push in the direction that we want to go that we actually stall the project. Like in the photo, where the washing machine is not going to be moved even one inch toward its rightful home, our pushing can mean no movement toward resolution. 

It’s only when we pause and take time to listen to and hear one another and process what is being said both verbally and non-verbally that we can begin responding appropriately and moving in the same direction. Often, it’s not easy, but Scripture does give us some guidelines on how to move together in the same direction. 

Stop 

From Psalm 46:10 we hear God say, “Be still” before he makes any additional statement. How can we make right choices and right decisions when we are in the midst of a scramble of thoughts or talking too loud or too much? In effect God is telling us to STOP, refocus, and only then move on. 

Next, we hear Him say, “and know that I am God.” Again, it is a single phrase spoken before He continues, but a reminder that He is God, we are not. When we acknowledge Him, our minds and hearts are refocused, and we are better prepared to respond to any situation.  

Think 

Scripture tells us, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27) Once our minds are refocused on God as Creator and us as created in His image, we are reminded that includes our thinking skills. At this point we can begin the process of truly listening to what the other person is saying, reading their body language, and more accurately moving toward an outcome that is agreeable to everyone. 

Respond 

Jesus ends his statement in Luke 6:45 with “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” We want to be sure that the way we respond to others is God honoring and not ego building. It will mean everyone involved will need to be involved in the conversation and may have to make concessions on the topic so that it becomes a decision that all can agree upon.  

I know in reality, not everyone in the room will be prepared to stop, think, and respond. And most situations do not allow an extended amount of time to regroup. But if we can become the catalyst in the situation, by being still even for a few moments perhaps the stage will be reset for a different conversation and a better outcome. The pushing against one another may be lessened or diffused, bringing progress and movement to resolve the issue at hand. 

I like a quote from Priscilla Shirer, “Unity does not mean sameness. It means oneness of purpose.” Once Greg and Jim stood on the same side of the washing machine and pushed in the same direction, they were able to place it in its proper home. When talking about God’s Kingdom it’s even more important for us to push together, in the same direction, with one purpose!