My daughter and I were savoring a school musical performance we’d just witnessed while walking to our car. Our happiness came to a screeching halt, however, as we watched a man approach a waiting vehicle and denigrate the driver for failing to pull forward far enough into the student loading zone. The diatribe was brief, but painful, particularly because it took place in the context of Christian community.
Individual rights and freedoms can be a blessing. We can’t underestimate, however, how a world indoctrinated with individualism, consumerism, and entitlement can skew our vision. Living in surrender to Jesus, the gospel calls us to humbly serve and love others as He did. Reminding us that the humble will “inherit the whole earth” (Matthew 5:5), Jesus challenges us to believe our greatest sense of fulfillment begins with the death of self. It’s a message that goes against our very nature.
The greater evidence of strength isn’t in our ability to demand what’s our perceived right, but rather in our ability to demonstrate mercy (Matthew 5:7). Anger and frustration can be legitimate responses in certain situations, but they become a problem when we use them as an excuse to behave poorly toward others (Psalm 4:4; Proverbs 14:29). Our words matter, but what divides light from darkness is our choice to use them as agents of reconciliation (Matthew 5:16; James 1:26).
Proverbs 18:12 reminds us, “Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor.” Serving a Savior who “took the humble position of a slave” (Philippians 2:7), let’s remember true power doesn’t come in what we demand of others, but in what we freely offer because of Him.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Genesis 41:37-57
More:
Read Ephesians 4:29 and think about what it means to use words that are “good and helpful.”
Next:
Why are the words we speak to others so powerful? Why is it important for what we say to reflect God’s mercy and humility?
Gary Shultz on January 25, 2017 at 5:30 am
Hi Regina: I must say that the picture itself stunned me. It reminded me of times when I have carried less than poor attitudes and actions against others. And yes, often times when we “flip out” it’s toward ones close to us. That saying about “hurting the ones we love” is often true. As I investigate the faces in the picture the infliction of pain is clearly seen. Now that I am older, thankfully, a lot of the self righteous steam has left. Regina, you still seem to give a place for when someone is just getting bulldozed by another, a protective stance should be taken. I have much to discover in using grace and humbleness in the power in which they were given. The world is harsh many times and that attitude is growing rapidly. May we find the wisdom, help, and skill to deploy grace more in a world filled with anger. The balance between a kind hand and a strong ,but loving heart. Thanks Regina
Regina Franklin on January 25, 2017 at 9:34 pm
Hi Gary,
The other part of the story–which I wasn’t able to include due to limited space–was that, while I couldn’t reach the situation timely enough to speak into the momentary interaction, I did get to speak with the man who had been recipient of the harsh diatribe. I apologized to him and told him how thankful our Christian school community was to have his family be a part of us. I am trying to remember myself that gentle words have great power (Psalms 25:15).
Tom Felten on January 25, 2017 at 8:54 am
Regina, like Gary, the pic for this devo definitely caught my attention. I’m reminded that we can become so demanding of others due to our selfish, sin nature. But your last line presents such a beautiful alternative: “Let’s remember true power doesn’t come in what we demand of others, but in what we freely offer because of Him.” God is aware of the challenges and injustices we face due in life, and walks with us through them. His Spirit provides what we need to respond to difficult situations with grace and love.
Regina Franklin on January 25, 2017 at 9:37 pm
Hi Tom, it is interesting you use the word “injustices.” In my own life, I am actively seeing God bring truth in situations where circumstances were intentionally or unintentionally skewed by others. When we choose honor and hold fast to truth, God moves on our behalf.
envirotact on January 25, 2017 at 9:39 am
The nature of sin is not immorality and wrongdoing, but the nature of self-realization which leads us to say, “I am my own god.” This nature may exhibit itself in proper morality or in improper immorality, but it always has a common basis – my claim to my right to myself. – Oswald Chambers (October 5) My Utmost for His Highest
sjames46 on January 25, 2017 at 9:58 am
Thanks for sharing this.
Regina Franklin on January 25, 2017 at 9:38 pm
Dear envirotact–well-quoted. Powerful words, indeed.
hsnpoor on January 25, 2017 at 12:17 pm
Regina, you stepped on my toes this morning. Thank you. So often, we are totally & absolutely deluded about our failings and shortcomings, usually by choice and as a self-protective strategy. I thank God every time he opens my eyes to my particular & personal failings, painful as that may be. I have a tendency towards a sharp tongue and have found it is most damaging when my tone of voice is soft and controlled (yeah, unfortunately, I’ve got skills in this area), rather than raging as the man shown in the picture seems to be doing (very disturbing because he is raging on someone clearly weaker in strength than himself). As we know better, we really do have the opportunity to do better; but, we’re at our best when we simply “give it to the Lord in prayer” and allow His Spirit to rise and overcome our feelings of ill-will and replace them with His merciful and gracious Will & way. Your scriptural citations were just so spot-on for the subject and it was that which have left my toes in painful distress this morning. The question in the “Next” box made me think of one very appropriate scripture that wasn’t cited: Prov. 18:21 – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof”. Why is it important that our expressions reflect God’s mercy and humility? Our purpose is to glorify our Father who is in heaven and mercy & humility is the path to take to do that. Not to mention that the sweet fruit of mercy & humility (life) is a lot more tolerable to digest than the bitter fruit of arrogant, self-righteous anger (death). Thank you again, Regina! God Bless You for the great reminder!
Regina Franklin on January 25, 2017 at 9:45 pm
Dear hsnpoor–you highlight two important points about our fierce responses toward others–1. it is a choice of our will and 2. it stems from self-protection (usually at the expense of someone else). Thank you for sharing!
Marlena Graves on January 25, 2017 at 2:14 pm
Hi Regina,
I loved, loved, loved, the truthfulness found in this piece. It is so true. Thank you!
Regina Franklin on January 25, 2017 at 9:39 pm
Hi Marlena,
Thank you! Hope you are well.