Scripture
From YOU let my vindication come; let Your eyes see what is right.
Psalm 17:2, NRSV
Quote
Pride’s focus is on ‘who is right.’ Humility’s focus is on ‘what is right.’
~Ezra T. Benson
It is entirely possible for someone to think that their cause is just when it is not. There have been many times when I was convinced that I was right only to find out later that I was wrong. June lost her phone and Holly thinks I picked it up by mistake and did something with it. I didn’t argue because I am absent minded. I do not remember seeing the phone nor picking it up but this is coming from a man who can drive through Birmingham and not remember the experience. I hope that I am innocent of the charge but only God knows. Obviously, when differences come to an argument, both parties believe they are in the right and yet common logic tells us that one or the other is wrong. As we mature in the faith, we learn to look as impartially and dispassionately as possible, looking at it from the perspective of others to the best of our ability, and be more concerned with what is truly just than simply what favors us.
David did not want a vindication that came from himself. In his long struggle with King Saul, David had several opportunities to set things right himself, but he refused to do so and waited until vindication came from the hand of God. It takes some level of patience and maturity to let God handle those who have treated us unjustly. We must accept the fact that we might be wrong and they may be right in the matter. We must be more interested in God’s justice and His standard of right and wrong than we are our own vindication. We must come to God and His word with a heart ready to be convicted and corrected. [Adam Clark]
According to James Boice, there are some questions we should consider before taking matters into our own hands:
- Is it possible that I am wrong either in fact or intent?
- Am I being selfish?
- Are my priorities in order?
- Am I open to the truth; am I willing to admit that I am wrong?
- Will I listen to others when they tell me that I may be wrong?
I Peter 1:21-23 comes to mind...For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.
People don’t understand the principle but every time we seek to get even, we put ourselves at a greater disadvantage. The One who judges fairly is going to take care of the matter in His own time but when we insist on doing it ourselves, He may give the matter over to us completely and this is not in our best interest.
I wrote the blog yesterday morning but forgot to post it last night. Sorry about that! We didn’t find June’s phone. She had to get a new one. I am getting to preach tonight: I am excited!