Children can become casualties of war, caught in the middle of their parent’s divorce. As a teacher, I’ve seen this far too often, with kids used as pawns to make the other spouse jealous. Maybe this explains Jesus’ tone within Matthew 18:1-9, a warning to all adults to insure their actions do not lead a little one astray.
As a friend, its not uncommon to be caught in the middle of infighting. Gossip, slander and half truths are the usual suspects, aimed at swaying you to their side of the argument. Unfortunately, playing favorites is easy to fall prey to, something the pagans of Jesus’ day indulged, Matthew 5:46-47. Yet, God expects Christians to possess higher standards, Matthew 5:48, striving for perfection in Christ, Philippians 4:13.
Casting Crowns addresses this issue in their song Somewhere in the Middle. From their The Altar and the Door album, Casting Crowns sings about the ongoing tug of war that exists within each soul. The disciple Peter and the author of Hebrews highlight this dilemma of being in the world, 1 Peter 2:11-12, yet called to look beyond this present world, Hebrews 12:1-2. Thus, as you find yourself caught in the middle of right and wrong, remember the apostle Paul’s words in Romans 12:1-2 so that you will conform to God’s ways!
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 