Perspectives

Philippians 4:4-5… 4) Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5) Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. (NIV)

Suppose my life was to be summed up in one sentence, how would that sentence read? Suppose you and I were to go down in history with a well-known disgraceful behaviour about us, what would that one thing be?

It is a depressing thought if all they would remember is that a person was a trouble maker. Sadly, to say, there are individuals who continuously stir the pot to create an argument, a person looking to get on the wrong side of issues thus shutting Christ out of their life. No person can be at peace with God and at conflict with people, whether in the Church or some other organization.

When the apostle Paul put in writing our opening verses, he was in prison waiting to be executed. He had thought of everything that could happen. And yet from the very depth of his heart he said, “Rejoice… I will say it again…  Rejoice!” There is a very good chance that the apostle Paul wants all to understand he knew what he was saying. He wanted us to understand that Christian joy is free of all things on earth because it has its foundation in none other than Christ. We really should never lose that joy because we have put our faith in Christ.

The world should know that we are Christians and that we are willing to give something better than justice. In other words, we understand there are times when strict justice becomes somewhat unjust. There may be times when a just law becomes unjust. Christians have that quality in them, or at least they should, to know when not to apply the strict letter of the law, but rather relax justice and introduce mercy.

But, there are some who will sit in front, “like the Pharisees did to Jesus” with their pen and paper and a book about procedures. They will make everyone of its decisions in strict accordance with the law of the Church or the law of any other organization; but there are times when the Christian treatment of some situation demands that the book of practice and procedure should be regarded as the last word.

Remember the story of the woman (John 8:3-11) who was taken in adultery and was brought before Jesus? Jesus could have applied the stern sever letter of the law in Christ’s day that called for her to be stoned to death. But what happened? What did Jesus do? Jesus pardoned her, forgave her sins and sent her home freed from the bondage of her sins.

There is not one of us who deserves anything other than the condemnation of God, but God goes far beyond justice. He gives us mercy. As Christians, we must have personal relationships with other folks, and we must remember two things, that there is something beyond justice and what Jesus said, (John 8:7) “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”(NIV)

But, “why” I ask. Why should I not get my way? Why should I not get justice when my jealous anger in my soul is screaming out for revenge? Why should I show mercy? Why? Because Christ showed mercy and He does not want me to be hard-hearted: I must remember the second coming of Jesus Christ when I will stand before Christ to be judged.

If I remember that life is short, I will not wish to enforce the stern justice, which so often divides people but will wish to interact with people as I hope that God will look on me. If I show no mercy the Bible says I will receive no mercy.

Would you pray this prayer with me? “Lord Jesus, come into my heart. Forgive my sins. I want my life to change. My thoughts and my attitude need to change. I do not have the peace in my heart that I yearn for. I really want that peace, joy and happiness that fulfills my heart’s desire. Please let the Holy Spirit help me be the kind of Christian that will honour Your Name. Amen”