“That counts!” Said a grandchild while playing a game. “No, it doesn’t!”, said another. And the argument began.

We do that, don’t we? We argue with God and others about what counts in life, in love and in relationships. What counts?

God uses Paul to settle an argument over a religious conflict in the new church, “As for me, God forbid that I should boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world died long ago, and the world’s interest in me is also long dead.” Gal 6:14, NLT

“WHAT COUNTS is whether we really have been changed into new and different people. May God’s mercy and peace be upon all those who live by this principle. They are the new people of God.” 
Gal 6:15, NLT (Emphasis mine.)

As we gather for Christmas, families will disagree. This could be a GREAT teachable moment…to remember what counts. Believe and behave as people of God, forgiven. Be peace. Let everything else go. Be “what counts”. We win by making peace, not winning the war.

“God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.” –Jesus (Matt 5:9, NLT)

Thank you, dear Lord, for your word that speaks volumes in “what counts” in this life. Help us to be different, to be peace. 
In Jesus Name, Amen