In a recent article, I gave several suggestions that will definitely help you make distinct differences in your life as you approach the new year.  Included in that article, are several positive changes that will not only help you, but will also help others around you.  Seriously, check out the article and try something new this year!

Something needs added to that list.

Truthfully, it’s a gut-check for all of us.

It’s past time to lose the chip that’s conveniently lounging on your shoulder.

This message is to those that are always looking to pick a fight.  You know the ones!

There are so many people that take a defensive view on every topic…and are offended by EVERYTHING.

LET. IT. GO. PEOPLE.

Having a different opinion than someone else is OK.  That’s not the point.

It’s having the viewpoint that you are ALWAYS RIGHT in your views and everyone else is ALWAYS WRONG.  And you’re highly defensive about your views!  Something to remember:  just because you have a different opinion than someone else, doesn’t make your opinion correct or the other person’s opinion wrong.  And something else to remember:  you don’t always have to give your opinion.  Silence is golden.

It’s real easy to see this on Facebook.  After all, you can ‘voice’ your opinions online and NEVER be face-to-face with anyone. Oh, and then there are the internet trolls that are always lurking and looking for opportunities to aggressively disagree with someone.

Pathetic, really.

If this is you, I want to encourage you please take a long hard look at yourself, your views and your approach.  Scripture teaches about having a gentle and meek spirit.  Maybe this is your area of need.

I’ll leave you with this amazing passage of Scripture from Matthew 7:3-5:

³ And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? ⁴ Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? ⁵ Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.