A deacon shares this unforgettable story from his congregation:

One Sunday, the sister who normally prepares the communion was sick, so another, less experienced steward was asked to fill in. When it came time to pass the tray, I noticed the grape juice looked darker than usual, but thought nothing of it. Immediately upon receiving the cup, each person seems to have a peculiar, stunned look on his face. When it came time for me to partake, I discovered what the strange looks were all about—this was not grape juice at all….it was prune juice! One brother observed, "Perhaps this is a divine commentary on our spirituality—we need a little loosening up!"

Every so often, we need to loosen up, don’t we? Jesus was once in the middle of a heavy theological discussion, when a group of children were brought to Christ in hopes that he would give them a blessing. The disciples were appalled at such a breach of social protocol and scolded the parents for allowing kids into an adult gathering. Jesus response was telling: “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children” (Matthew 19:14). You might say the disciples were wound up just a little too tight, but not Jesus. Why was Christ different? Because Jesus put people before things, truth before tradition, love before legalism, God’s glory before petty politics.

So what’s got you uptight? Perhaps a coworker whose voice just grates on your nerves? A husband who puts his feet up on the coffee table after a hard day at work? A wife who doesn’t put enough salt on your food? A child with boundless energy, who always wants to do something? A young Christian who has the annoying habit of challenging comfortable, old traditions?

Maybe, just maybe, the Lord is telling you to loosen up. In the words of Ephesians 4:2, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” This week, allow yourself to unwind a little...or perhaps a lot. Let the Lord give you the peace of knowing He can handle the people and circumstances you can’t change. Relax, and allow the patience, humility, gentleness, and love of Christ take control of your heart. You’ll find you will enjoy your Christian walk a whole lot more and make a few more friends along the way.

-William (Billy) Sherman-