Most of the success in our Christian life depends on how well we get along with other people. The Pauline Epistles are filled with scriptures about unity, harmony, and getting along with one another. Several times in the book of Acts you'll find the statement, "They were all with one accord." When they were in unity and harmony, that was usually when something happened.

Psalm 133:1 says, "How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!" (NIV). But the ability to get along with people usually requires a great deal of effort. It just doesn't happen because you talk about it. Even when everything is going great, you may still have some problems getting along with people.

For example, several years ago a professional football team had been up and down, winning and losing. While they were in a slump one season, a new owner and a new coach were brought in, and the team won the Super Bowl. Then the team won a second Super Bowl. But after winning the second Super Bowl, the coach didn't get a raise from the owner - he got fired!

You see, even though the coach had helped the team win two Super Bowl trophies, he was fired because he rubbed the owner the wrong way! Everything was going great - the team had risen to the top of their game. And yet because of a personal conflict, someone got fired.

When conflicts arise, you can either take the low road or the high road. You can take the low road and wallow in the mire, allowing bad feelings or offenses to pull you down. Or you can take the high road and rise up, living above the situation. By taking the high road, you choose to walk according to what the Word of God says.

God gives us a recipe for getting along with others when we become born again. First Peter 5:5 talks about being clothed with humility. Some of us need to take off the garments we have on and begin to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Then we need to make sure to put on the belt of love, which holds it all together.

If the Lord tarries His coming, we're going to need these garments as we go through life, because the enemy is going to put on the pressure more and more. So we must learn how to live and act like Christians.

By taking the high road and choosing to live in unity and harmony, I firmly believe we can make a difference and begin to see more happen in our churches, on our jobs, and in our families. It's when we get out of unity and harmony that the Spirit of God can't flow.

So always let the peace of God rule in your heart. Clothe yourself in humility, compassion, forgiveness, patience, gentleness, and love. And remember, when you're in one of life's hard places, you can take the high road!

Source: From a Pastor's Heart by Kenneth E. Hagin. Jr.
Excerpt permission granted by Faith Library Publications