How to Get Along With Others

Our Lesson next week in the Explore the Bible (Lifeway Series) is about "How to Get Along With Others." How appropriate in a world where relationships are measured in days and weeks instead of lifetimes. Have you ever walked in a room and the conversation stop? Did you have the distinct feeling that the conversation was about you?

Mark 9:33-35 ³³They came to Capernaum; and when He was in the house, He began to question them, "What were you discussing on the way?" ³⁴But they kept silent, for on the way they had discussed with one another which of them was the greatest.³⁵Sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, "If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all."

Jesus had the same experience. Instead of walking off or ignoring the conversation change, He gave them the heavenly solution to and earthly problem. If you want to be great, serve others. So often, hurts in relationships drive us to make a decision to leave the hurt, disappointment or confusion instead of working to serve the relationship. No one knows what all is lost when we close the door on a difficult relationship. My father taught me in business to, at all costs, salvage a good account. If you lose a good account due to a misunderstanding, disappointment or hurt, it takes at least 5 additional new accounts to replace the lost one (that's because only 1 in 5 new accounts will become a good account).

Use this new year as a year to work hard on relationships, especially those who have been placed on hold or perhaps terminated. Be the best servant your friend has ever had. But watch out! It may be contagious. Your friend may figure out what you're up to and try to out serve you. Get along with others in 2010.