I thought I was doing so good

God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. (Matthew 5:6)

What is justice? As you might well imagine, this term can be quite different depending on the circumstances observed or encountered by the individual you are asking. For a great many, justice is 'situational' - it depends upon the circumstances and the individuals involved. Have you ever shown grace to someone for something and then been harsh on another when they do the same thing? Was that justice? Not likely, but what made the difference in the way you treated them? Was it your mood, the other stuff happening, or perhaps someone that was watching you at that moment? With God, justice is consistent - not dependent upon who's watching, what other 'stuff' is happening - justice is just another word for integrity - God manifests integrity in all his dealings.

How do we get to the place of moral consistency in our lives? The place of integrity that God models is our aim, but how do we get from where we are with all our inconsistency to the place where we are consistently upright in our attitude and actions? We are to pursue kindness, truth, and all things wise, but we don't always act kind, live in truth, or make smart decisions. If we want to become more consistent, we have to do the things that lead to consistency. I am trying to maintain good heart health, so I am watching my saturated fats, taking a lipid-lowering agent, and get exercise every day - even when I don't feel like it. One thing I have learned is that we rarely 'feel like' being consistent. In fact, we find all kinds of excuses to avoid it! What we try to do ourselves in terms of being 'righteous' (good, sincere, consistent, and upright) is nothing more than good works that boast about our 'self-righteousness'. What we need to remember is that self-righteousness was actually pointed out as worthless just a few verses later.

We can 'hunger and thirst' for a whole lot of things - some are worth the pursuit, while others just get us even further down the 'self-righteousness' path. The riches of this world are nothing compared to those God gives. The honor or fame we could seek in career are nothing compared to the honor God gives his kids. The pleasures we seek today might actually be okay, but there are times when our focus is on nothing more than what brings us pleasure. In the end, all these things will fail. The more we pursue time with God, time in his Word, and time with other believers, the more we will be challenged to live justly - to do away with our self-righteous acts and embrace the actions of God's righteousness being worked out in our lives. Consistency is a moment-by-moment thing - never dependent upon the circumstances or our feelings. The more we seek God's help to respond in obedience rather than because we 'feel like it', the more consistent our walk will become. Just sayin!

Seek good and not evil

Seek good and not evil— and live! You talk about God, the God-of-the-Angel-Armies, being your best friend. Well, live like it, and maybe it will happen. Hate evil and love good, then work it out in the public square. Maybe God, the God-of-the-Angel-Armies, will notice your remnant and be gracious. (Amos 5:14-15)

I know today's passage was written during Old Testament times, but it bears looking at today. The message doesn't grow old just because of when it was written - those words to seek good and not evil apply to any generation. The hope is that we will not only 'live', but live well. Hating evil and loving good is kind of a moving target for some these days. It is something my college instructors used to call 'situational ethics'. When the 'norms' of society are shifted in one direction or another, the 'ethics' of yesterday may not be the ones we maintain today. I honestly think our world is constantly in a state of flux when it comes to ethics. What society proclaimed to be really wrong may only be 'marginally wrong' today - all because the ethics of society have compromised some value they originally defined as 'right' or 'good'. What God tells us is that there is no compromise in the area of good - it cannot be redefined because he is the absolute definition of goodness!

Not everyone compromises their values, though. There are a great many in society who will adhere to what scripture defines as good and avoid what it declares to be evil. In truth, those who do this make up what is actually a remnant of society. Some see a remnant as some 'leftover' part - such as a small amount of fabric at the end of the bolt. Others would almost say the remnant is just a trace of what once existed. Yet, from the beginning of time, God has used the remnant to change the world they live in. A remnant may not seem like much, but when that remnant places their trust and hope in God alone, there is a mightiness that comes forth! A few in his hands, committed to the good and standing strong against the evil, is an army to be reckoned with indeed!

What does the remnant do in society? It challenges the shift in norms - constantly revealing in both actions and words the path God desires of his children. There is a message to declare, but there is a lifestyle that speaks as loudly, if not louder, than the words we might speak. Doing good and not evil - what a message. Returning good for evil - a stronger message. Leading instead of always following - people need leaders. Leading ethically and with righteous morals - people crave righteous leaders more than they might actually realize. Be the kind of person who seeks good and not evil - be a leader who doesn't compromise morals and values, caving to social norms. In God's hands, who knows where you might lead this world! Just sayin!

Taking God seriously?

But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don’t take yourself too seriously— take God seriously. (Micah 6:8)

On occasion someone will announce to me that they aren't sure what they are supposed to be doing with their lives - they are not certain God is using them, where he wants them to be or go, or that they are 'in his will' in a particular situation. Truth be told, all we have to do is ask God's direction and he is sure to let us know. If we explore scripture, we see examples of both what we are supposed to do in this life and the things we are not supposed to be pursuing. Live honestly - forsake anything dishonest. Avoid the green-eyed monster - be humble and gracious. Don't steal - work for a living. Avoid self-dependence - trust in God's plan. Do - Don't Do - given to us all throughout the scriptures - we only need to look deep enough to find our answers.

The example given to us today is that of doing what is fair and just to our neighbor. It seems we have a different standard of fairness and justice today than we might have had fifty years ago, or even twenty years ago. It is as though fairness and justice have become moving targets. Fairness and justice cannot be separated - they are equal partners in this verse. Justice carried the meaning of personal accountability for one's actions. That seems a little different than how we use that term today, doesn't it? It also carries the meaning of not giving preference to one individual over another - fairness. In the first reference, there is a penalty for an infraction; the second carries the idea of equal measurements. There is an overarching responsibility for community - to live well with others, be at peace with them, and never seek to 'outdo' the other.

I suppose the most 'telling' part of justice and fairness is the idea of being merciful in a generous way - not just on occasion, but continually extending mercy to others. Compassion and loyalty in our love demands this type of 'generous grace', doesn't it? Providing for the needs of others is what God had in mind here. It might be we begin doing this by practicing fairness and justice in all our actions - it extends into our giving of ourselves, our talents, and our provisions to others. We meet the needs of those within our community - spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Is it possible that in making the choice to live in such a manner we begin to take God seriously? Just askin!

Equalizing Forces

Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. (Ephesians 4:2 NLT)

"I refuse to allow any man-made differences to separate me from any other human beings." (Maya Angelou) We human beings sure make a lot of differences, don't we? We set apart this from that, making a new category of this or that just by doing so, and wonder in the end why there are so many differences in this world. We only need to look back upon our own actions (and sometimes our inaction) to see how it all came about, but most of us don't like being that "introspective", so we just make excuses for the differences we have created rather than working to break down the walls.
"Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope." (Maya Angelou) We don't fully know what destination we set out toward when we enter relationship with one another, but it is likely unexplored territory! In the journey of a relationship, the hurdles are many, fences higher than we imagined, and walls strongly erected - but if we are going to be examples of God's grace and love in a terribly confused world, we must scale those fences and break down those walls. Grace and love know no other action than that of humbly acknowledging the differences we have and then finding a way to live in peace with each other in spite of those differences.

Some think the only way to really be at peace with one another is to all be "the same". While there are clearly paths in this life I don't believe God ever intended for any man or woman to walk down - paths that lead to their rejection of his grace and truth - I do believe there are ways to love each other in spite of the path we each choose to take. Kindness goes a long, long way toward establishing and maintaining peace - as does overlooking an offense. While it may be hard to overlook some violent offenses such as murder, rape, or trafficking of human life, it is possible to respond in truth to these horrible offenses. Truth doesn't have to be violent in response - it needs to reflect grace and love - the two equalizing forces to all acts of violence. These two responses "weigh" more on the scales of justice than any retaliatory action on our part. Don't believe me - just look at the actions of Christ as he was hung upon the cross. 

He did not retaliate, although the violence of the crowds was growing by the minute. In fact, he chastised Peter when he took up the sword to respond to threats of violence with violence himself. Instead, God's own Son took upon himself the actions of grace, love, and forgiveness. Three traits we'd do well to embrace if we desire to see healing in our relationships and strength in our world today. Just sayin!

Grace or Justice - You Decide

Thomas Jefferson is credited with saying, "Whenever you do a thing, act as though the whole world were watching." Wise words, indeed. There is nothing more powerful than considering our actions we might take in the secret places of our lives, or when we don't think anyone will notice, in light of what others would see if they were to observe those actions "out in the open". Sometimes we might even stop in our tracks before we took those intended actions simply because we wouldn't want others to ever see us doing them. When you have ever been in a place with closed circuit cameras all around, were you as inclined to adjust your underwear as you might have been when you were in the "safe place" of your own bathroom? Probably not! Why? You didn't know who was watching! Maybe we'd do well to remember that principle when we take many other actions in our lives - we never really know who is watching and really, no action ever goes unnoticed by God!

Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. (Galatians 6:7-8 NLT)

Jefferson also voiced, "I tremble for my when I reflect that God is just; that his justice cannot sleep forever." We don't really know when God will put things in motion that allow things done in secret for so long to become "discovered". It could be the way another country has been unjustly persecuting those they don't see as supporters of their particular "political agenda" and then we see God reveal that injustice along with a loud and clear "call to action" by others who cannot possibly support that injustice any longer. If we stop to think about that for a moment, this is how allied relationships work - we stand up for injustice as a unified group. It could also be that God brings to light some particular injustice within our own ranks - allowing the misguided intentions of some and the evil intentions of others to be brought into the light. Whenever this has happened, "justice" usually demands their removal from that position of power or office. Why? Justice is a foundation of our way of life.

You have often heard me say the way we live matters - the choices we make define us. We cannot forever make unwise choices and expect to continue to experience God's grace in our lives - either as individuals, or as a nation. We can make course adjustments - even slight ones - that get us closer to living as we know we should. When we do, we might experience a little more of God's grace than we deserve, but if we don't continue to make those course corrections, we will eventually find God's justice coming our way. Why? The half-hearted corrections we made didn't carry us fully to where we needed to be and God's chief desire is for us to live a principled and just life - individually and as a nation. He will encourage those course corrections, either through renewed grace or through swift justice. I prefer grace! How about you? Just askin!

Put away that scale

Redeeming justice, true peace, and joy - three things we could all probably say we don't see enough of these days!  Newscasts of late have just soured me to even watching the news (something I do more for the weather report than anything else).  Too many shootings, accidents deemed to be hit and run, homes burned out, and children left unattended by parents distracted by their own needs - just about everything as far away from "justice", "peace", or "joy" we could imagine and a little bit more.  We live in a fallen world - a fact that probably hasn't escaped your notice, my friends.  As long as sin reigns, bad stuff will continue to happen.  The good news is that God is above it all - he is able to create within us this everlasting state of peace only he brings because he has been given the place of reigning in our hearts.

When God reigns, the order of the day is redeeming justice, true peace, and joy made possible by the Holy Spirit.  You see, those who serve the Anointed in this way will be welcomed into the whole acceptance of God and valued by all men.   Join us, and pursue a life that creates peace and builds up our brothers and sisters.  (Romans 14:17-19 VOICE)

When God reigns - the simple use of "when" indicates there are times, places, and people in which his reign is challenged.  We all have a free will - something God values and created within each of us.  What we choose to do, how we choose to live, and what responses we will exhibit with life's opportunities or challenges is based on our free will.  It is possible, though, to have a free will and still submit to the reign of Christ in our lives.  It just means we "subject" our will to his oversight and care.  It means we begin to trust him to direct our choices and to give us "balance" wherever we have "swung out of balance".

When we begin to submit to his careful oversight of our choices, we will move into this place of true peace - for our choices are made in total trust of something (or someone) greater than ourselves, our ability, or our fortunes.  If you haven't figured it out yet, friction in relationships is because of an "imbalance" of power - one is upset because the other is taking more control - wanting their own way in some measure.  This imbalance leads to stressed responses and these responses lead to some pretty "unfair" or "unkind" actions. In turn, peace is disrupted, justice is not always the hallmark outcome, and joy leaves the picture entirely.

Life is filled with "redeeming moments" - those opportunities to make right what has gone so terribly wrong in the situation.  Life is also filled with "justice moments" - when we could demand "fairness" and "equity", but when our demands may not be in the interest of "peace" and "balance" in the relationship. It is a fine line we walk between "fairness" and "justice".  In God's eyes, his idea of just is adherence to the "moral standard" he exhibits.  Anything short of that standard is just not justice.  In those moments when we want "fairness", we might just ask God if he can make the moment on in which "redemption" occurs.

Redemption indicates the slate is cleared - no one really "wins" and it is much more than a "win-win" situation.  Instead, two come together as one and in place of "demanded fairness", we accept "payment" for slights in terms of what Christ has already done to "clean the slate" in each of our lives - because that "slight" is already taken care of (paid in full) by the blood of Jesus.  We lean into his grace and we trust him to do within each of us whatever it is that needs to be done, moving us toward peacefulness, resolution, and restoration.  I may not "get justice" every time I feel "wronged" or like there has been some imbalance of reward in life.  What I do get is something called "redeeming justice" - my slate is clean (and so is yours) because of the grace of God operating in my life, helping me "not keep score" in all of those moments in life when I could have. Just sayin!

Refuge is more than a hiding place

We run into people on occasion who make out God to be some big, bad "guy in the sky", who sits upon a throne, passing judgment on earth below.  They simply don't understand the mercy of God - seeing "justice" as only the "bad stuff" which happens to people.  If we look at justice in the most literal sense, we find it means to give both reward and punishment - based on a set of moral principles.  Therefore, to think of God as simply the "big bad guy in the sky" is a wrong perception of his "role".  First and foremost, he is the one who cannot vacillate from a standard which is morally correct.  He sets this high standard of righteousness and then he sticks with it because he cannot cross that line.  It would be a violation of his holiness and "rightness" if he did. We find there are times we want to blame the "big bad guy in the sky" for every bad thing which happens on this earth.  In truth, the bad stuff which happens is because we live in a fallen world, not because God wants this stuff for us. Tornados, hurricanes, earthquakes, devastating fires, and the like are deemed to be "natural disasters" - they are the earth reacting to the fallen state it presently occupies.  Until God makes the earth new again upon his Son's return to set up his reign forever and ever, this world will continue to experience this "bad stuff" in its fallen state.  The truth we need to remember is that God is "fair" - equitable, right in his judgments, and very protective of his kids!

The Lord set up his throne to bring justice, and he will rule forever. He judges everyone on earth fairly.  He judges all nations honestly.  Many people are suffering—crushed by the weight of their troubles.  But the Lord is a refuge for them, a safe place they can run to.  Lord, those who know your name come to you for protection.  And when they come, you do not leave them without help. (Psalm 9:7-10 ERV)

Many will attempt to justify the bad stuff by saying it is because God has turned his back on them.  It is impossible for you or I to be out of God's sight, for he sees all things, knows all things, and is everywhere at all times.  Our wee brains have a hard time with that one, but it doesn't make it any less true.  If we think God has deserted us, or let us be overcome with the "bad stuff" in this life because he doesn't care about us, we are entirely misguided in our beliefs.  In response to this I only have to point out the myriad of times God has been merciful in our lives.  Times when we deserved "way different" than what it was we received.  These are the moments we conveniently forget whenever we rant against "the big bad guy in the sky" - those moments of self-pity we experience whenever things just didn't go the way we thought they should.  The reality is that if things went the way we thought they should, we'd probably be more disappointed down the road than we are right now!

In order to really stay on right footing as it applies to "justice" we must remember a couple of things:

- God judges fairly.  He is the ONLY one capable of doing this because he cannot possibly violate the moral standards by which his justice is carried out.  We are all fallible creatures, changing in our "opinions" or "stands" as quickly as the urge takes us down a different path.  Therefore, whatever justice we think we might be able to carry out is far different than "true justice" - simply because we do vary in our "interpretation" of the circumstances and the "truth" we adhere to at the moment.  God cannot cross that line - he remains the constant "steady" in an ever-changing world.

- Troubles come because we live in a fallen world, not because our God rejects us or has it in for us.  These weights we face may be quite "crushing" in their effect on our lives, but when we unburden ourselves by turning to the one who loves us too much to vary from his righteousness, we find those burdens lifted and our weights begin to shift from us carrying them to him carrying them. It isn't something we totally understand, but we know it works.  We cry out to him in the the moments we feel those weights taking us down under them, and he moves in to lift those burdens.  It isn't that they "bad stuff" doesn't exist anymore, but we have a different strength by which we "bear up" under their influence or attack.

- Those who know his name and call upon it are assured of refuge.  It isn't the "magic" in his name - it is the relationship of having taken his name as our own. When we enter into his family, saying "yes" to Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we find a new refuge within this "family".  Those who have never known the "refuge" of family on this earth have a hard time understanding this one because the earthly has betrayed the meaning of true family.  There are times when we need to "relearn" our position and privilege - for we don't take on a "title" by entering into this family (Christian), but we take on a new way of living and making choices when we enter into this family.  We choose to lean in and lean on, rather than doing stuff all on our own.  Justice comes only when we learn to rely and lean upon the one who sees things exactly as they are and not as we imagine they might be.

- Refuge is a place of protection; help is a means of escape.  We can find refuge and still not escape the thing pursuing us - such as when we were little and played hide and seek.  We found refuge behind the couch, but eventually someone found out hiding spot and we could no longer escape.  God's refuge comes with a way of escape - not just a place to hide.  We don't just get a reprieve from the "bad stuff" in life.  We get the privilege of walking hand-in-hand with the one who can navigate us through and bring us safely out on the other side, stronger and more secure than when the "bad stuff" began to give us the trouble in the first place.  Just sayin!

God's got your back!

Today's entertainment line-ups often leave much to be desired.  With everything from the zombie apocalypse to the walking dead among us, those seeking nightly entertainment can have their filled with all kinds of questionable stuff. Don't get me wrong - I like a good movie for a day of relaxing or just to pass a little time.  The stuff we have to choose from these days leaves much to be desired, though.  I find myself gravitating back to the oldies - for though they may lack the same "pizzazz" of the present dramas, they at least don't leave me with this sick feeling someone is going to suck my blood or brains out of me in my sleep!  Our "appetites" have changed over the years, haven't they?  The fun-loving movies made by such stars as Doris Day, Bob Hope, and Lucille Ball just seem to be gone.  In fact, if a few churches across America and Canada weren't making some movies, there wouldn't be much wholesome to go to! This change in appetite goes way beyond the movie and TV screen, though.  We have experienced an "appetite-shift" in many of our values ranging from how we make our money to what we think is acceptable behavior in our classrooms and workplaces.  Back in the day, parents worked hard to teach something we refer to as "values" to their kids - something society looked up to and rewarded. Today, rather than reinforcing and encouraging these values, much of society is out there "undoing" them.  In turn, we have people trying to pursue immortality with little to no foundation upon which to build!

Ill-gotten gain gets you nowhere; an honest life is immortal.  God won’t starve an honest soul, but he frustrates the appetites of the wicked. (Proverbs 10:3)

Proverbs is rich with all manner of advice on relationship, right conduct, values, and the like.  We only need to bite off small chunks of a chapter to find life-lessons relating to the values God wants "taught into" the lives of his kids.  He is a faithful parent - desiring to create a solid foundation in our lives through the lessons he teaches - even when society might work overtime to tear those same values down.  Our part is to embrace the teaching, allow these values to guide our actions, and then see how God "backs us up" when we live out those values. If society works to tear us down, and we are living out the values God teaches, he will be there to back us up!

Our passage today deals with things we gain in any "unjust" manner.  Whether it be wealth or fame, if we gain it in an unjust manner, God will oppose it. Maybe I better define "unjust" a little because it could mean different things to each of us.  First, it is anything which is unfair - like when a merchant uses a little inaccuracy on the scales to give him more profit.  That 1/10th of a pound will eventually add up down the road and he will end up collecting more than his fair share of "ill-gotten gain".  Second, it is any action which is dishonest - if the truth is not being sought or "sold", it is considered unjust.  

No amount of "ill-gotten" gain will benefit one whose heart is wicked.  This is the purpose of this passage - we cannot expect to get good things when the heart pursuing those things is desperately wicked to the core.  Maybe this is why I find it so hard to think we can put such wickedness in our hearts by what it is entertainment offers us today and then expect to see beauty and holiness coming out of our lives!   Even when "good" seems to come to those whose main purpose is to gain for themselves at the expense of another, it won't last long because this "goodness" is deteriorating wealth!

On the other hand, we see what the one who deals "justly" gains will be further blessed by God - maybe not in ways others see or appreciate in a physical or immediately apparent sense - but at least in a spiritual and eternal sense.  To this end, God directs his kids to pay attention to the values he teaches and then to let those values "craft" the actions they pursue.  Their actions may not yield them the same "benefits" of the unjust, but they will have benefits far exceeding (way into eternity) those of their counter-parts who pursue a life less wholesome.  The promise:  God won't starve an honest soul.  There is nothing we can ever experience where God will not be enough!  When we pursue life from the perspective of embracing "justice" and "goodness" over anything "unjust" and "unwholesome", we can count on God to have our backs!  Just sayin!

Stand up for justice

Injustice - any form on inequity which violates the rights of others.  We observe much injustice in this world, but probably don't do much with the injustices we observe.  The silence we portray against injustice isn't an "outward" manifestation of us "going along with it", but it does portray a heart either unmoved by injustice, or too afraid to do anything about it.  Sometimes it only takes someone speaking out - at others it may take some form of action or investment of our time, energies, and talents to address it.  When another suffers injury or wrong, our reaction and action toward that injustice reveals a lot about our heart.

It’s wrong, very wrong, to go along with injustice.  Whoever whitewashes the wicked gets a black mark in the history books, but whoever exposes the wicked will be thanked and rewarded.  (Proverbs 24:23-25 MSG)

Wicked - morally bad in practice and principle; distressingly severe; unjustified.  A wicked individual is considered to be "ill-natured" - in other words, they have a pretty foul disposition and they seek to make life miserable for others.  God's instruction - avoid these individuals?  Nope, it is to expose them.  We take the road of comfort when we simply avoid their unpleasantness, but we take the road of obedience when we are willing to confront and expose their wicked, morally bankrupt plans.

In the criminal justice system, when an innocent person is convicted of a crime they did not commit, we say an "injustice" was done.  It is easy to get outraged when something is high profile such as a court case, but what about the "small" injustices which occur all around us everyday?  Are we moved by those?  If not, it may be time to ask God to soften our hearts and make us more sensitive to the needs of those around us.  

When the innocent are convicted wrongly, one stepping forward to serve as a witness on behalf of the innocent can make all the difference.  It used to be the norm for people to stop at the scene of an accident they had witnessed on the roadways, but it isn't anymore.  People don't want to get involved - and besides, most states go by the "no fault" rule - anyone could have been at fault, but they will pay the claim regardless of who is at fault.

I sometimes think we might just treat God as operating in a "no fault" kind of manner toward the injustices in this world.  We somehow think that no matter who is at fault, he will just take care of it.  There are times when he fully expects us to step forward as his ambassadors on this earth to expose the injustice and to stand for what is right, credible, and lasting.  When we fail to do so, we are not acting as his "witnesses" here on this earth!

Any judgment "passed" with any form of partiality is "unfair" or "unjust". When we "like" someone, we might take issue with the partiality shown toward them.  When we harbor ill-feelings toward someone, the "unfair" thing done may actually give us a moment of pleasure (be truthful here).  Yet, if we read this passage again, to revel or find any pleasure in the injustice done - whether it is to our friend or foe - is wrong.  God's after a purity of heart which will look beyond our "feelings" and stand for what is right - regardless of "who" needs our support.  Just sayin!

Examples create reference points

A good many times, scripture simply points us to the things we should avoid, the outcomes of wrong choices, or the warnings which might just alert us to being a little too close to the edge with some of our life decisions.  I think this might just be because we all learn by the examples set by others – what we see will hopefully help us to make the right decisions ourselves.  As often is said, a picture speaks louder than a thousand words.  I don’t see many “pictures” in my Bible, but I do see “word pictures” – those things, when put together, actually form a reference point for us.  This is what examples do – they set a reference point.  Perhaps this is why it is so important to have a good example to follow – because they act as this point of reference by which the "compass" of our lives is set.

Mixed motives twist life into tangles; pure motives take you straight down the road.  Simpletons only learn the hard way, but the wise learn by listening.  A God-loyal person will see right through the wicked and undo the evil they’ve planned.  Whoever goes hunting for what is right and kind finds life itself—glorious life!  (Proverbs 21:8, 11-12, 21 MSG)

If you have ever stopped long enough to observe the example of a not so happy person - one who has chosen to live by their own standards and therefore is riddled with guilt because of the plethora of wrong choices they have made - you will probably observe some pretty obvious "examples" you will set within your mind as "avoid" points.  You might see an "avoid point" such as when the example set is one of pursuing injustice instead of standing up against it.  Or perhaps there is an "avoid point" dealing with the inability to forgive another who has offended them, allowing bitterness and resentment to eat away at their lives.  Regardless of the "avoid point", the example set and observed will become a thing we can learn to set our "compass" away from rather than moving toward it.

A simpleton learns by seeing others punished - the godly and wise learn by being open to all manner of instruction.  The godly don't just need to see the negative outcome, they also learn from the positive examples they have set before them.  One example gives us a reference point to aim toward - the other sets our reference point at a 180-degree point away from it.  When we set our compass toward right action, the outcome is right dealing.  Sometimes we need to follow the example of common sense - such as when water is rushing across the roadway at an unknown depth and speed.  We operate in the realm of common sense to avoid the passage across the roadway at that specific point.  We might see an example or two of those who did not operate in the realm of common sense, now stranded out in the wash, sitting on the top of their once shiny car!  All this does is lend to the common sense we already were relying upon.

Not all of life is as simple as relying upon common sense, though.  Sometimes the decisions we are called to make have no real clear-cut answer in our minds.  This is where exploring the examples we have been provided in scripture can be invaluable.  They act as "reference points" for us to conclude, with the help of the Holy Spirit, what actions should be avoided like the plague and what actions really are okay for our lives.  In the "grey areas" where there does not seem to be a clear example, admonishment, or commandment, we have to rely upon what we know to be true about what God expects of his kids AND our common sense.  Just as with the car in the roadway with the rushing water, we won't find this example in scripture - but enough examples of others going before us into those waters and the consequences they endured stand as enough of a reference point for me to stay on this side of that rushing stream!

If we can learn from the examples we have been given - in real life around us today, in scripture recorded for all times, or even in something depicted in a "created" environment such as a play or movie, we are indeed moving toward becoming very wise individuals.  I went to see a totally awesome live theatrical production of the Lion King with my best friend last weekend.  As the production was well-underway, many messages were spoken to me throughout the play.  Now, for most there, those messages probably didn't come across quite the same way, but here are only a few:

- When the young lion goes out on his own, pursuing what his deceptive uncle tells him will do not harm, forgetting the warnings of his own father, I thought about how many times I've listened to the voice of deception in my own life over the voice of my loving and compassionate heavenly Father.  

- When the consequences of his decisions impact the outcome for the entire "herd" of lions and lionesses, I thought about how what may seem like entirely innocent behavior on one person's part can impact the lives of a great many.

- As I watched the restoration of the young lion to his family, I thought about the embrace of a merciful and loving heavenly Father, watchful over each of our steps and renewing in his touch.

- As we cheered when evil was finally vanquished, I thought of the many times in my own life when God has come into the midst of the mess of my life and turned evil away, replacing it with his presence and his love.

Yep, even the examples of a child's play can open the heart to consider the wonder of an awesome God.  To pursue godliness and unfailing love is to find life, godliness, and honor. This is pretty plainly spoken of in scripture and we have many examples as reference points.  If the pursuit is in the right direction, the reward is available to the seeker.  The wise will conquer even the toughest of obstacles, but not so much because they are super-smart, but because they have learned to put into practice the things they have learned and to use the common sense they have been given.  Just sayin!

Joyfulness and Justice - Journeying On

We are well underway with our exploration of the character traits of a child of God - those traits which actually "reflect" better than any "image" we see of ourselves in the mirror on our wall.  Today, we consider our "J" list - Justice and Joyfulness.  I have chosen a rather long passage, but I think it is rich with blessing.  Justice is really another way of saying we live in such a manner so as to display right conduct.  In dealing with others, and often ourselves, we are equitable in treating others as God has treated us.  Now, at first, this seems a little too easy for us to simply respond, "Check", and move on.  Let me assure you, living "just" lives is a lot harder than some of the other traits we have explored to date!  In fact, because it deals with the behaviors of others, often in reflection of the way they have treated us, it is one of the hardest ones to master!  

Train me, God, to walk straight; then I’ll follow your true path. Put me together, one heart and mind; then, undivided, I’ll worship in joyful fear. From the bottom of my heart I thank you, dear Lord; I’ve never kept secret what you’re up to. You’ve always been great toward me—what love! You snatched me from the brink of disaster! God, these bullies have reared their heads! A gang of thugs is after me— and they don’t care a thing about you. But you, O God, are both tender and kind, not easily angered, immense in love, and you never, never quit. So look me in the eye and show kindness, give your servant the strength to go on, save your dear, dear child! Make a show of how much you love me so the bullies who hate me will stand there slack-jawed, As you, God, gently and powerfully put me back on my feet.  (Psalm 86:11-17 MSG)

Here we find David faced by some folks in his life who we might say didn't welcome him with open arms - in fact, they were out to get him!  Life just isn't going David's way at the moment!  The "bullies" are abounding.  Do you know what a bully is?  It is someone who "badgers" another person because they think the other person is actually WEAKER than they are!  They see the other person as "smaller" or "less significant".  Imagine that!  They saw David, the man with a heart after God's own heart, as "smaller" or "weaker" than them!  Isn't this just the way people who don't serve the Lord see Christians? They almost shake their head in disbelief that we'd need some kind of "crutch" like Jesus to get through life!  Let me assure those of you who might have been told Jesus was some "crutch" you needed in life - he is life itself, not just some "support" we lean upon!  

The times when "justice" becomes evident in our lives are those when our fellow men see an area of "weakness" in our lives as an opportunity to focus their attack.  Let me give you a little secret - most of us already know where our areas of weakness are and we have something our enemy doesn't know about - God's strength manifest in the very spot our weakness shines through!  Look at our passage again - David is not bemoaning the bullying of his attackers - for he sees this as the very moment God will be totally on display in his life.  Justice will prevail - first in his own life, and then in his dealings with those who seek to intimidate, demean, tear down, cause havoc to abound, and just simply make his life miserable!  Why?  He has learned to rely upon the one thing which always remains consistent - even in his inconsistency.  That one thing is God's character - his grace, kindness, gentleness and even his power.  

Let's not forget the progression we see in this passage.  David begins with his own attitude and purpose in the interactions with these "bullies".  He asks God to set HIS path straight - to have HIS mind and heart put together, undivided and determined.  This is where justice begins - with the setting straight of US!  When our hearts and minds are blameless, we stand strong in the midst of whatever the "bullies" throw our way.  What does this "putting together" process assure David of in his life?  Simply put, he will not be dependent upon the circumstances of life in determining what gives him happiness in life - he will be joyful in the justice of God, first toward him, then toward his enemies.  Look at what he asks God - make a how much you love me, God!  Have you ever prayed that prayer?  Have you ever faced some of the toughest enemies of your life and prayed that God would just put himself on display in your life in all his fullness and glory?  When you do, he is honored to answer that prayer!

So, justice and joyfulness really are inter-related, just as so many of our other "traits" have been.  Whenever we begin to see our weakness as God's opportunity, we also might just count on our "bullying" friends to see it as their opportunity to attack where we are the weakest.  Yet, in those moments of attack, God's putting us together, giving us the integrity to stand strong, and letting his justice to shine through.  In these times, we stand in joyful awe of what God does, how he uses us to shut down the bullies, and just how much power he puts on display where we only saw the extremes of weakness.

On a final note, let me just say David got pushed around a little by life's bullies.  In fact, he notes it is God who will "put him back on his feet".  This might just indicate every "pushing around" we get from the "bullying enemies" in our lives won't leave us standing quite as strong as we hoped.  In those times, take heart - God is there to help you back onto your feet.  Relationship "bullies" abound - some push us down a little more than we'd like.  God stands at the ready to help us back up on our feet again.  We only need to rely upon his outstretched hand to pull us up.  Financial "bullies" taunt and toy with us - his providing hand is at the ready.  Health "bullies" plague us with worries galore - his carefully tender hand is at the ready to soothe our pain and ease our worries.  We do "get down" in life, but remembering there is a difference between happiness and joyfulness may just be the key to where we look when we are "down".  We may be down, but not for the count!  Just sayin!

A changed view

I stood up for justice and the right; don't leave me to the mercy of my oppressors.  Take the side of your servant, good God; don't let the godless take advantage of me.  I can't keep my eyes open any longer, waiting for you 
      to keep your promise to set everything right. 

(Psalm 119:121-123 The Message)

Taking a stand for something in life is probably one of the most telling things about an individual.  The things or people that an individual takes a "stand" for reveal the priorities of the individual, the values developed in life learning, and the importance one places on that thing or person in their life.  Our psalmist reminds of two things worth taking a "stand" for:  Justice and the Right.

Justice is simply the moral "rightness" of a matter or individual.  In daily choices, we'd say an individual is exhibiting "just" behavior when they are allowing "moral" principles to guide their practice.  There are just some things and individuals we should stand up for - - like the widow that cannot provide for her own needs after the loss of a spouse of many years, or the orphan left with no family to surround them with the love they so desperately need.  The "right" is any matter or individual operating in accordance with what is good, proper, or just.  Really, we cannot separate Justice from the Right.  They go hand-in-hand.  

It is so easy to stand up for those we "deem" to be exhibiting "moral excellence", but how well do we "handle" those in our lives that exhibit actions we could not consistently label as "good", "proper", or "just"?  I think we might all struggle with this a little everyday - - people don't always "behave" as we think they should!  In most cases, God wants us to learn the grace of forgiving the offenses of those individuals with immediacy.  It is unthinkable that God would allow us to hold onto the injustices of these individuals and allow the injustice to become a thing we focus our attention upon.

David tells us that he has taken a stand, yet there are those who would "oppress" him while he stands.  What he describes here is the tendency of those who don't understand his "stand" to put him down for his stand.  There is a tendency to restrain actions that we don't understand - - his oppressors are likely doing this.  Their response to his "moral excellence" is conviction - - and we know that some don't like the "feeling" conviction produces!  So, it is easier to resist, or restrain, what does not produce good feelings within us.

He describes his oppressors - - the godless.  In other words, those that really don't operate by the same principled standards he adheres to.  Therein stands the "rub" - - he is surrounded by those with differing values.  Their differences become most evident anytime he "takes a stand".  Now, his only hope for being "bolstered" in his stand is the "backing" of his God!  He says he will wait for God to intervene - - though he is growing weary in his stand. 

God knows your weariness - - nothing escapes his view.  Your oppressors don't escape his view either!  He has a time and a purpose for his intervention.  We must learn to trust him "IN" our stand for justice and the right.  It is "IN" the stand we are made strong - - enduring what others would flee from.  It is "IN" the stand God meets us, grows us, and changes how our oppressors view US!  Stand on!  Cast your weariness upon the one who will lift you high!  Stand strong!  Hold onto his powerful hand through your oppression!  God is changing how your oppressors are viewing you this very day!