WEDNESDAY WEEKLY WORD...are you willing?

If I were to ask you the top 3 things that you disagree with your closest friend about, I am sure that it would not take long to probably come up with a top ten list.

In fact, if some of the things on your list continue, it will only be a matter of time before it begins to affect your relationship. Sadly, unless someone doesn't start giving in, some of the issues on your list will probably just keep popping up between you and a loved one.

Disagreements are most evident and most talked about in marriage relationships. In last weeks YOUR OPINION MATTERS POLL, I polled the readers the following question: "What do you think is the #1 thing that couples disagree about?" The top 3 answers were...

1. 62% of those voting said that they think FINANCES is what couples disagree about.

2. 18% polled said that KIDS is what they disagree about.

3. 12% voted that INTIMATE ISSUES causes disagreements with couples.

Defending our rights and our opinions is a foundational part of our make-up, but within the walls of a marriage - stubbornness will steal time and productivity from your relationship.

No matter what kind of relationship you have disagreements in, there is one way to get beyond the "stalemate" of your relationship and save what may be headed down a disastrous road.

WILLINGNESS...

To be "willing" is an attitude and spirit of cooperation in all that we do and all that we say to one another. It's like a palm tree by the ocean that endures the greatest winds because it knows how to gracefully bend. Do you know how to bend in your relationships?

PHILIPPIANS 2:4 Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others."

Look at the willingness of Jesus:

• He had the right to refuse becoming a man but was willing!
• He had the right to be served by all mankind but was willing to come to serve instead!
• He had the right to live in peace and safety but willingly laid down His life for our sins!
• He was willing to suffer and endure the grueling torture of the cross!
• He loved and cooperated and was willing to do His Father's will instead of His own!

Jesus exemplifies the attitude of willingness. Willingness is the attitude of laying down for the good of others what you have the right to claim for yourself. (Philippians 2:5) "Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus."

ARE YOU WILLING to lay down something for someone today?