FANNING SKUNKS
Several years ago an elder and I were in route to a Bible study. A problem had occurred in the congregation, and we were discussing it when he said, "Ivie, the more you fan a skunk, the worse it smells!" Well, after a period of laughter, I began to think about the humorous remark, and realized how true it was. Think for a moment of various problems that have been brought about in the home, politics, at work and in the church because someone would not stop "fanning" the problem. As time marches on the problem becomes a daily topic of conversation, and often more than not, results in hard feelings and broken friendships.
Beloved, when one strives to please God he is in turn going against the forces of Satan, and the Evil One will unleash his forces to try and destroy the Christian. The key to solving problems is an earnest desire to follow in the steps of our Master (I Peter 2:21; I Corinthians 13)!
Whenever someone wants to "fan" a problem, do the following: (1) Have them direct a prayer for all attitudes concerned (Matthew 5:43-48; Luke18:1); (2) Always speak words of encouragement (I Corinthians14:26; I Thessalonians 5:11 (3) Remind one another of the very sobering question, "How would you like for God to forgive us as we forgive one another (Ephesians 4:31-31)?
Remember, "fanning" problems creates hard feelings, instills an attitude of anything but forgiveness, reflects on the home, the community, and the cause of Christ. Also, "fanning" never builds, but destroys and the consequences can bear fruit for generations to come!
- - -Ivie Powell