One of my staff members sent me this phrase recently: “Most Christians would rather be right than Christ-like.” I am confident this statement is so needed in families, businesses, and in churches. Is that not a convicting word for all of us? It sure is to me.

If you are married, how many times have you wanted to have “the last word?” Did it send your relationship with your spouse to a new level because you got in the last word? Jesus was not interested in getting the last word in His conversations. One day He will get the last and final word on ALL things.

How many times have Christian men and women lost their testimony on the job because they just had to prove they were right to others, not doing it in the right way? As a Pastor, I hear it often. God help all of us to be wise in our words and behavior. A lost and unchurched world is searching for reasons not to come to Christ; but let’s not give them an additional reason due to our demeanor.

How many churches have become divided over one person or group of persons who act in a way that divided the fellowship, creating anything from schisms to splits? This happens so much in church life it is very discouraging. How many pastors today have done this with their people in their words and actions? Conversely, how many people have done it to their pastor? Or how many have done it to each other?  Just think, slain Christians lie wounded on the brink of becoming spiritual carnage on the side streets of our churches because someone just had to be right.

The Christian life is not about always being right.  It is about being like Jesus. I remember this phrase that was said to me years ago:  If Satan cannot get you to do the wrong thing, then he will try to get you to do the right thing in the wrong way! This is so true.

It is a sad commentary on Christians when we are more concerned about being right rather than being like Jesus. Perhaps you are guilty of this in your relationships. I know I have been before. May we pray together that it is not a part of our lifestyle in any relationship regardless of what occurs.

You can be right and be Christ-like at the same time. They do not have to be competing forces in your life. In fact, true rightness is done like Jesus would do it. When you evaluate Jesus’ life, He always did right, stood for right, and said what was right AND He always did it in the right way. A way that pictured godliness, holiness, and brought great glory to the Father.

Today’s challenge:  Do NOT lose your testimony over being right, but GAIN a testimony by being Christ-like. You will begin to be heard and appreciated much more in all relationships when you do what is right in the right way.

Prayer: “Lord, help me, help all of us to pursue Christ-likeness 24/7.” You never lose when you are like Jesus. Jesus always wins. Jesus will win in the end.