But the Pharisees went out and conspired against Him, as to how they might destroy Him. But Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. (Matthew 12.14-15)
DISCRETION IS THE BETTER PART OF VALOR
You can be right and you can be dead right. And when I say dead right, I mean just plain dead. There are some battles that just aren't worth fighting. Jesus recognized the spiritual ambush that had been laid by the Pharisees. He spoke the truth but then very wisely disengaged from the conflict. Ultimately, He would die for the truth. But now wasn't the right time. Sometimes we sacrifice relationships, our jobs, or even our lives when it isn't necessary or prudent. Often, it’s because we had our feelings hurt or were too proud to let it go. A bruised ego is never a good reason to fall on your sword. Jesus was very right about the Sabbath: He's Lord of the Sabbath. But He doesn't let being right get in the way of His mission. He chooses His battles wisely.
Where could you win the battle and lose the war?
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