Pest Control
What to do when someone bugs you.
Sheep can be driven to absolute distraction by flies and ticks, and when tormented by these pests it is literally impossible for them to lie down and rest. Instead they are up and on their feet, shaking their legs and heads.
Only the diligent care of the owner who keeps a constant lookout for these pests will allow the sheep to lie down contently. A good shepherd applies various repellents, makes sure his sheep are immersed into water to clear their fleece from ticks, and will see to it that there are areas of trees and brush close by where sheep can find refuge from tormenting insects.
Marcy’s husband snorts like a pig when he blows his nose, and it really “bugs” her. It’s so annoying! Tony’s neighbor in the apartment across the hall burns this awful smelling incense and it really “bugs” him. Stephanie’s friend at work chomps on her gum like a cow chewing his cud and it really “bugs” her. According to God’s Word, what options for “pest control” does a Christian have, and what opportunities do the things that “bug” us give?
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with
compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other”
(Colossians 3:12,13) …
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love”
Ephesians 4:2.
“If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, ‘Here’s a good
seat for you,’ but say to the poor man, ‘You stand there,’ or ‘Sit on the floor by my
feet,’ have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil
thoughts” (James 2:3-4)?
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer ... If it is possible, as far as it
depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:12,18).
Trying to control others so that they behave exactly according to our taste is not an option for the Christian. This is over and above expecting others to behave decently according to God’s expectations. We can see things that “bug” us as opportunities to be patient, to practice persevering love by allowing others to engage in their preferred way of doing things, and to remind ourselves that we love people not because they are they way we want them to be but because we choose to love them despite how they are different from us.
So the key to pest control in Jesus’ flock isn’t really control itself, but kindness.
PRAYER: Dear Jesus, I admit that some things really bug me. When (insert name of person) bugs me again, give me the patience to bear with it, the kindness to try to understand, and the love to befriend him/her despite my personal preferences. Help me to grow through these experiences so that I have a deeper appreciation of your love, and a better understanding of others. Amen.