Today’s scripture: Luke 6:41-42 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (John Seksay):
I like to think that I know right from wrong. On any given day I have every intention of sticking with what’s right. Unfortunately, the world is less than cooperative with the process, in my humble opinion. The news has stories about people being shot or stabbed, stories about robberies, stories about fraud. Just what is wrong with these people? And don’t get me started about the pathetic decline in driving skills on today’s roads. How flashy do school zones have to get to catch the eye of the distracted drivers I strive to avoid every day? Which begs the question: how many ways are there to get things wrong?
Of course there is the obvious — the moment I deliberately cross the line because I just had to! That time the annoying driver worked my last nerve and I just had to cut him off to show him whose road it really was. The time I thought that my spouse would look absolutely hilarious wearing a broken water balloon at the family picnic. That time my sharp tongue just had to say what everyone else was surely thinking. Sure, the devil made me do it, but he didn’t have to work very hard at it! I was being deliberately evil and knew it going in. I knew I would need to make amends before anything happened, but there I was! I intended evil outright and had to face the consequences.
But sometimes it’s not so deliberate, just an accidental misunderstanding. Never serve pecan pie to someone with an allergy to pecans! Knock on a door before you open it so you don’t hit the person standing on the other side. It’s hard for a live person to catch my attention if I’m focused on what my mobile phone is doing at the moment. Sometimes my awareness falls a bit shy of circumstances. Amends are easier then; no harm was planned or intended.
But what happens when I’m too good for my own good? Is that even possible? I believe it is. I also believe that situation is the point of what Jesus has to say in today’s reading. Sometimes I am too focused on what is working in my life to realize that one size doesn’t fit all. Sometimes I’m so pleased with the spiritual progress I feel inside that I assume the prerogative to tell others how they should be conducting themselves. I don’t try to understand where they are or what they might need: I have all the answers in my handy little snippets of advice.
What’s the saddest part in all of this? I don’t even see the harm I’m doing and have no impulse to apologize or reconcile my behavior with the facts! Instead, I “should” all over them! You should do this — you should realize that — you should get a grip. My kids instinctively know when I’m thinking this way because I arch my left eyebrow in a very recognized pattern. They know they should be acting quite differently to avoid the “should” eye!
So, which is the worst sin? In which circumstance do I stand the greatest risk of repeating rather than repenting? Where am I most likely to offend the intent of the Holy Spirit and remain utterly clueless? Shouldn’t I be giving myself the “should” eye?
Prayer for the Day: Lord, help me remember that I am the work you need me to do in this world. Your purpose, and path, for everyone is just as unique as their appearance is. Let me restrict my “should” eye to the mirror, and show Your face to others better!
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