I find myself often considering whether a measure of “righteousness” or alternatively, a measure of “grace”, is appropriate. If it were a situation where I am the one receiving said measure, I am always going to pick grace. Though I also realize, righteousness may be more appropriate.
What is he talking about, you ask? How about a real-world example? Let’s say you are traveling down I-95 and the sign says “right lane closed ½ mile ahead”. As you look ahead after moving over into the left lane, mesmerized by all the blinking lights and reflective cones (just me?), you notice in your side mirror the car behind you abruptly swings into the right lane to pass you and as many other cars who are in front of you and are currently stacking up and hitting their brakes ahead.
As the cones close in on that car, they cut their blinker on and start to force their way back in line, having saved themselves two spots in the 5 mile line ahead. Your choice is one of righteousness, or grace. The righteous choice would be to look straight ahead and almost touch the bumper of the car in front of you. What they did was not right, and you can enforce that measure of righteousness by teaching them a lesson in patience and humility.
But then, you could also choose grace. In this case you let them in even though they were being jerks. There are times you get to do both, first pinch them out and pretend you don’t see them, and then look at them, pretend that you are surprised at their presence, and wave them over. In this scenario you get to press in a bit of righteousness then follow up with a measure of grace (it’s the best of both worlds!).
The decision to express righteousness might save someone’s life by teaching the other car (person) a lesson. The decision to provide grace might change a heart forever. Which is the correct choice? It truly can be hard to figure.
The best we can do is to do as we are taught, and prayerfully discern. The old saying “WWJD” (what would Jesus do) is a great reminder to love our neighbor in whatever it is we do. Because in the end, isn’t that what we would want others to do for us?
Our verses for today come from the Teacher (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, ESV)-
13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.
Our Father, who art in heaven, guide the intentions of our hearts, make straight our paths to Thy great purpose; give us wisdom in our steps, and understanding in Thy love; through Christ Jesus thy Son our Lord, who with Thee and the Holy Ghost, art One God, world without end. AMEN.