Starting on the right foot

Greeting to all
I need to begin with asking with your forgiveness. I have been remiss about keeping up my blog entries. I have been juggling several plates and this plate was dropped. I will do my best to update this blog at least once a week to share a thought that may lead us in reflection of our Christian walk, or challenge our thinking.
Most of us have heard the term "waking up on the wrong side of the bed";  or "starting off on the wrong foot". Both sayings convey that either a person is in a foul mood or a relationship (sometimes a project) began in a negative manner that is hindering a positive progression.  The saying "starting off on the wrong foot" has been on my mind. It has been on my mind in context of how my initial perspective of someone has had a negative impact on how I proceed in dealing with them.  Bear with me as I try to explain myself.  I realize that confession is good for the soul but bad on the reputation; nevertheless, I made a commitment long ago to be as transparent as I could with you.
We are aware that in the last few years the church has felt increasing pressure from secular society to adjust our teaching to be more in step with changes in secular morals and values. This has made some of us, myself included, a bit defensive when we feel demands are being made that we change what we understand the Bible to teach or that we endorse lifestyle choices we feel are contrary to God's expectations of His people.  Regretfully, this has caused me at times to begin my interaction with someone on the wrong foot. What I mean by that is that my interaction begins with either seeing the person as someone seeking to change what we teach, which means I begin on the defensive; or I see them as someone who is choosing a lifestyle that is contrary to what I understand Biblical values to be. In either case, I am starting on a negative which means I have started on the wrong foot. 
However, if I choose to begin any interaction with another by remembering that they are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and that they are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) then I have started my journey with them on a positive note or on the right foot.  When we see someone, regardless of their political or social agenda, as an image bearer of our Creator, we are reminded of our connection and of the intent of their design. This in turn may make our words softer, our demeanor more open, and our manner gentler.
Let us strive to start all of our interactions on the right foot.
Have a blessed week, Vic