A hotel in Budapest was having problems with its elevator. Because most of the guests spoke at least some English, the owner put up a sign. However, either she had a sense of humor or she wasn’t very fluent in English. The sign read, “The lift is being fixed for the next day. During that time we regret that you will be unbearable.”
I’ve known some unbearable people, haven’t you? My mom took a cruise where she traveled with friends who were negative and complaining – she said it took so much joy away from what was meant to be a healing, relaxing vacation.
Lloyd Ogilvie wrote a book called, Falling into Greatness. In it he tells about an old friend who called him one day. “I can’t talk about it over the phone,” he said, “but I need to see you. I’ve fallen into a terrible thing which I can’t seem to shake.”
When they sat down for lunch the friend blurted out, “Lloyd, I’ve become a cynic! I’ve become a negative, critical and sarcastic man.”
Inwardly, Lloyd was relieved that his friend wasn’t in more serious trouble, but it was clear he was pretty upset. Ogilvie writes, “My friend had been jarred by the reality of the kind of person he had become because of an ultimatum his spouse had given him. She wasn’t willing to spend the rest of her life with someone who was so negative on life, people and even God. Several friends had confronted him about his ugly attitude. Three people had resigned from his company because they said they couldn’t work in the negative atmosphere his attitudes had created. The man’s world was falling apart.”
That man, by his own admission, had become unbearable. Maybe you know someone like that. Maybe you wonder if you’re on your way to becoming somebody like that. It happens. If so, today would be a good day to reverse your direction.
Maybe you’ve heard the story already. Jesus is on the mountain with Peter, James and John. Suddenly his face begins to shine like the sun, and his clothes become as white as light. At the same time, two of the most important figures in the Old Testament, Moses and Elijah, suddenly appear talking with Jesus. Peter, never at a loss for words, says to Jesus, “Lord, it’s good for us to be here. If you want, I’ll put up three shelters – one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”
While Peter is still talking, a bright cloud envelopes them, and a voice is heard from the cloud, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” By now, the three disciples are terrified. They fall face down to the ground.
But Jesus comes and touches them. “Get up. Don’t be afraid.” When they look up, all they see is Jesus.
Peter, James and John were with Jesus on a mountain and it was a life-changing experience.
Peter wanted to stay on that mountain. Who wouldn’t? They had arrived. It couldn’t get any better than this. So why not stay? Rev. Duncan says one of the biggest reasons many people never realize all the blessings God wants to give them is that they’re too comfortable where they are.
Sometimes we want to stay where we are – even when where we are isn’t all that great.
Admit it, now. Some of us almost enjoy being grumpy, grouchy and hard to live with. We continue holding grudges and resentments, even when they’re eating away at our very soul.
At conference last year, I heard this phrase about resentment, “Resentment is like ingesting poison and waiting for the other person to die.”
I want to challenge you to look at your life. Is there some area where you need an attitude adjustment? Whether it’s giving up a long-held resentment, or treating your spouse with more kindness, or whatever your need might be, this is the time.
Fear is one of the biggest obstacles we face. Many bad attitudes are caused by fear. Let go of your fear. Let this day be the beginning of a new you. Don’t be afraid. All is well.
If you don’t have a place to spend time with your family of origin or your family of choice, consider joining friends here at The Met. We will be hosting a Thanksgiving meal on Thanksgiving Day. Call us (619-521-2222) or check us out on the web, themetchurch.org for more info.
Rev. Dan Koeshall is the Senior Pastor at The Metropolitan Community Church (The Met) in San Diego, California, themetchurch.org.
