I suppose it is a human condition to place blame on others rather than take ownership of wrong actions or reactions. Adam blamed Eve, Eve blamed the serpent, and the serpent blamed God. Thus, it remains today. Add the rule of self-exemption and you have the perfect storm of justification. Justified in our words, thoughts and deeds because of something or someone else. At its worst: “I have done nothing wrong” at its best: “the devil made me do it” – and everything in-between. The problem is that all of these roads lead to the same dark place of division and animus. Poison to the soul.
I often think of the old Christian song that says, “I have decided to follow Jesus…though none go with me, still I will follow, no turning back, no turning back”. So many people have sung these words. I wonder how many have truly contemplated their meaning and if push came to shove, would actually follow through.
One time, I was angry and prayed, “I know I’m right; THEY know I’m right and furthermore God, YOU know I’m right!”
In that moment God spoke to me in a nearly audible voice. He said, “I do know that you are right, but I didn’t call you to be right; I called you to be righteous. My son was right, but righteousness hung him on a tree.” Righteousness sometimes calls you to lay down your rights. That was about 30 years ago; yet it seems like yesterday.
The application of this truth is endless, and I think of it often. I find it most useful when I am wronged (or feel wronged) by others. I am inclined to react in-kind, often giving life and growth to conflict and fractured unity. I deem myself “right” therefore, justified in my actions – or inaction. It is better to choose righteousness and be justified by Christ. (Rom. 3:24-26)
My Pastor often says that people are a messy business. They are. I am and so are you. With this knowledge, let us call upon the grace that has been given to us and extend it to others. Forgive them. You may be right; they may be wrong. So what?! Forgive them and be free. Do this and you will be vindicated by the one who matters most.
"and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus." Romans 3:24-26
Todd Aten
Brownsville, Texas
Comments