Continuing
Michael’s message on “Right and Wrong”,
he tells us that the fourth objective to keep ourselves humble is in Romans 12:16 “Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but
condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.”
The fourth
objective is to never be wise in our own conceited selfish wisdom. According
to 1
Corinthians 2, God has chosen the
foolish thing of his spirit to confound the wisdom of this world. Worldly
wisdom that we inherited from Adam is contrary to God's wisdom. According
to the book of James, the wisdom of this world is earthly, sensual and devilish.
However the wisdom that is from above (from Heaven) is first peaceable, easy to
be entreated, without partiality and without hypocrisy. The only wise God
has prepared a day to reveal His glory at Christ's return .... for at Christ's
return, we shall know Him even also as we
are known by Him.
The next key
to objectivity is to treat people with dignity even if they don't treat us with
dignity. According to Romans 12:1, “Recompense to no man evil
for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.” According
to CS Lewis' sermon on "The Weight of Glory," passivism is immoral
according to scripture. Men and women of God should not stand idly by while the
devil rapes, pillages and plunders God's people. Romans 12:17 says to never respond to evil with evil in
retaliation. Instead, do that
which is honorable in the sight of all. The example is Jesus' response to
our sin and iniquity ... in that while we
were yet sinners, Christ died for the ungodly.
The fifth
principle is in Romans 12:18, to take the initiative to form peace wherever
possible. “If it be possible, as much as
lies in you, live peaceably with all men.” President Abraham Lincoln said, "The best way to defeat your enemy is to make
him your friend." However, there is no reconciliation unless we
meet each other at the foot of the cross. There is no peace without the
Prince of Peace. For there is one God and
one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. To initiate a
peace offering is to offer them the Prince of Peace ... salvation through
Christ's perfect payment for sin on our behalf.
According to Romans
12:19: “Dearly beloved,
avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written,
Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” Vengeance is God's
domain. If we seek vengeance, we are usurping God's prerogative, His
authority and putting ourselves in God's place. Only God can mete out , dispense
or allot justice of righteous vengeance. For our part, God's grace and mercy
triumphs over judgment. Therefore, what shall we do? According to Romans
12:20-21, “Therefore if your enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give
him drink: for in so doing you shall heap coals of fire on his head. Be
not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
A Pastor was
asked to conduct the funeral service for a man who was in prison as a multiple
murderer and passed away. They couldn't find another preacher to preach at his
funeral. This pastor said, "I'll do it but the only thing I can do
is share the gospel." At the funeral, a little old lady spoke first.
She walked to the front of the casket and shared her testimony. She said
that this convicted murderer had beat her daughter so severely that everyone
thought that she was dead. However after many days in the hospital and several
reconstructive surgeries, she finally recovered. The little old lady
testified that God called her to visit this man who attempted to kill her
daughter. After many years of visiting him, he said humbly, "tell me
again about that gospel message of salvation through Jesus Christ." That's
when he finally accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. After coming to Christ he
confessed to several other previously unsolved multiple murders. This
brought closure to many of the families who were grieving the loss of their
loved ones. He never once asked for parole or to be released from prison. This
little old lady's testimony was the most powerful message that Pastor had ever
heard. Her testimony exemplified the gospel message of forgiveness of sin and
loving your enemy by offering him God's gracious gift of salvation. He paid for
his crimes against society, yet Jesus paid for His sins against God.
Questions:
Scenario one: A coworker blames you for one of their own mistakes. Then
your boss calls you to confront you about the mistake. What should you
do? Do nothing and see how it turns out? Or should you call a
meeting with your boss and your accuser and give your side of the story, then
tell them that you forgive your coworker and offer to help him correct his
character flaw?
Scenario Two:
You find out your spouse is having an affair: Do you go cheat on them in
return? Or do you work on forgiving your spouse and helping your spouse
reconcile?
Scenario Three:
A "friend" angrily attacks you on social media with the intent of
character assassination. Do you post dirt on them in return or send them a
private message and offer to talk to them in person, letting them know that
you're aware of their anger with you and find out why and how we can reconcile?
Be careful
when you seek so-called "righteous retribution" from a heart of
"righteous indignation." They don't care what you say, rather
they care that you model the message of Christ in you the hope of glory. The
effort of Christ is not vengeance but reconciliation according to God's
righteous mercy and grace through the love with which he has loved us.
For Jesus Christ came not to condemn the world but that the world through him
might be saved.
May we ever
live to the praise of the glory of His grace!
Your brother
in Christ, Michael
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