Flip the Script

Have you ever played out an entire scenario in your head? It goes something like this, “Well, if I say such and such, I know that so and so is going to say this and that, and then I’m going to have to do this, that, and the other.” In our daily walk, we have a “script” that we tend to follow which helps shape our interactions with our family, friends, and associates. But every now and then, we need to flip the script.

Shakespeare wrote, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” When you think about your daily interactions, that begins to ring true. For example, when you see someone you know in passing, you may ask, “How are you doing?” and the expected and scripted response is, “Fine.” When you get to church on Sunday morning, your “Good morning! How are you?” may be answered with, “Blessed!” In either example, a response of, “Well, my husband and I argued again all night last night, I’m feeling a little depressed right now, and I’m really not sure how I’m going to make it today,” would be jarring. In fact, most of us would not know how to immediately respond. It’s not in the script.

One of the greatest problems that the Pharisees and Sadducees had with Jesus Christ was that he refused to follow the script. Religious leaders at that time had a prescribed way of doing things. Even their worship followed a certain script. Their relationship with God was impersonal and matter-of-fact. But Jesus introduced a new way to live. Instead of living scripted, He challenged them to live Spiritually!

In Matthew 5:21-48, as part of the awesome “Sermon on the Mount,” Jesus presents key elements of our scriptural script, “Do not murder…Do not commit adultery…An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.” But He challenges the way we look at and respond to these things. Even a slow-burning anger against a brother is linked to murder, a lustful look is akin to adultery, and instead of revenge, Jesus presented the notion of loving our enemies. By flipping the script, we come closer to righteousness.

As you go about your daily walk, consider the way you interact with your family, friends, and coworkers. Are you following the usual script with all of your dialogue and responses set in a predictable pattern? Maybe it’s time to flip the script! Greet your family with an “I love you” instead of “Good morning” today. Give your coworker a genuine compliment on a work-related effort, just because. Make a conscious decision to not get upset the next time someone slights you, but immediately turn it over to God and let Him deal with it.

Flip the script and watch the blessings bounce back to you!