Years ago, I was at the gym watching my daughter do gymnastics. I overheard two women talking about a school rule. One woman corrected the other about that rule. Now, I happened to know the first lady was correct, but she smiled and shrugged and said "Oh, I must be wrong then."
I knew she was right but was fascinated that she so easily said oops and moved on. This was so far from my nature that I was in shock and awe over her gracious deference.
This conversation has stayed with me for years because it is so foreign to me. But, as I've matured in my faith, I often hear Holy Spirit say just be quiet. I will tell you the first time this happened; it was an internal battle between proving that I was right and being obedient. I am not proud of that, but it's the truth. It's somewhat more manageable now because I know the difference between righteous and right. Although I still have my moments.
As I watch the chaos in our country over the last few years, I see so much anger and bitterness. And, I'm sorry to say, some of the hate and anger comes from Christians.
64% of young adults are leaving the church. That is an all-time high. Of course, some of them return, but with less returning and more leaving, I think we are doing something wrong.
My desire to be right led me down the road of self-righteousness when I was younger. I thought I knew more than I did, which became more important than the people I was supposed to show Jesus. As a result, I somehow missed the love Jesus lavished on me when I spoke to others.
I somehow missed the love Jesus lavished on me when I spoke to others.
I never want to be the reason someone rejects or hates Jesus. Instead, my actions and words should glorify Him so the world can see Him through me. Some days I win at doing this, and I am so thankful for grace on those days I'm not.
Jesus walked this earth in servanthood and humility. He spoke the truth, He was the Truth. (John 1:14)
A love to die for that's what Jesus did for us. He understood His assignment; He came down from his throne in heaven to live a humble life and die an excruciating death. "For the joy that was set before Him, (He) endured the cross." Hebrews 12:2 This audacious love He has for me keeps me from caring if I'm proven right!
When you need a compassion champion, look to Jesus. After He heard that HIs cousin, John the Baptist, had been murdered, Jesus needed some time alone. But the crowds followed Him wanting to listen to His words; Jesus had compassion on them and healed them. (Matthew 14:14)
The world needs compassion in these times of fear, misinformation, and hysteria. The righteous will step up and be the hands and feet of Jesus, offering love and compassion first and foremost. Being right won't matter anymore because righteousness does. Righteous cares about hurting people that need to see the Jesus that found joy in enduring the cross for them. They need to feel the love that died for their eternity, not their political belief, not the laws of the nation, and not whether or not they are right.
Righteous cares about hurting people that need to see the Jesus that found joy in enduring the cross for them.
Jesus, take away the need to be right. Fill me with the humility that you exemplified during your walk on earth. Show me how to lead with compassion and audacious love. I want to reflect your light to others, so all they see is you! Amen.