Do you ever remember taking a test in school, or since, and looking over your answers to see what you got right and what you got wrong? Hopefully you were surprised, as we should always expect to get every answer right, but that is almost never the case, because we usually miss some. We should be reviewing the answers we got wrong, to learn how to get it right the next time. We can argue our point with the teacher, and say why we really believed our answer, but that rarely works, except on some essay questions. At work, when we get something wrong, there are greater consequences, as we usually have to go and correct our mistakes, apologize, or give someone a refund for our screw ups. When you are a doctor, an engineer, a policeman, a fireman, or a construction worker, among others, mistakes can cost lives or put someone in jail. So what we do and how we do it really makes a difference to others. How do you react when you get something wrong?
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33
What about your faith, how do you know when you get it wrong and when you get it right? Do you listen to a debate between an atheist and a Christian and say, I think I’ll chose that one today. We can look at hundreds of illustrations throughout scripture of both of these happening, often in the same individuals. Jonah got it wrong and ended up in a whale before he got it right. The Religious leaders got it wrong and sought rules and external appearances over internal righteousness. The Disciples often got it wrong, as Jesus’ teaching went over their heads, some were fighting over who would be first or second in command, and Judas really missed the mark. Paul got it wrong before he was changed and started getting it right. I often still get it wrong, even though I know how to get it right. Thank God for repentance and forgiveness! Often it comes down to getting it wrong with selfishness and getting it right with love and self sacrifice. It’s not too complicated. So, will we still try to look to Jesus and seek to get it right yet today, each day? I hope we can all strive for that together!
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:34-35
Yours in Christ,
Clark
