As a teacher of small children, I am often called on to be judge and jury to vague accusations and indecipherable defenses. If I see the simple crimes first hand I feel fortunate because I know without explanation, what happened. Otherwise, I hope for the wisdom of Solomon and the patience of Job, apply my adult filter and do my best. When a tiny hand grabs and pulls an object held by another, I must stop the inappropriate action and redirect to a better choice while encouraging conflict-resolution development. Honestly, a great deal of my time is spent in this endeavor, because learning is accomplished more efficiently in a safe, peaceful and undistracted environment.
In my novice years, my first reflexive response to any crisis was, “Why? Why did you do that?” Oh! How I long to relive those moments, because I know that “Why,” isn’t the issue. This question opens the table to a weighing of excuse and blame. I’m sorry, but there simply isn’t any right reason to knowingly bring hurt, harm, chaos or loss to someone else.
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. II Corinthians 5:10
Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. Galatians 6:7
The “Why?” has become a real issue, because it allows the story to halt, comfortably unresolved. Justify why you did something and you are done. However, this is where the narrative begins and should continue unto Salvation. This is a controversial subject, so please, let me give a ‘for instance.’ Years ago I hurt my child deeply with selfishness and ignorance. I corrected my behavior, asked forgiveness and moved forward with honor and integrity. Shortly after, my daughter had to make an accounting of her own negligence and harm. Consequences were involved and she bitterly dumped her guilt on me. I knew immediately that God was not going to accept her blame game, so I couldn’t either.
Let me be very clear, because this is an incredibly serious subject. God will NOT accept your excuses! He didn’t take them from Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:13-14) and He won’t make an exception for you. Man has exacted some deeply heinous crimes against man, but that does not give anyone a ‘Get out of hell’ free card. On the day every knee bows, God will not be asking, “Why?” He already knows. Your “Whys” aren’t your story, what you do next is!
Sin wants Holiness amended to allow the wrong to feel comfortable with their ways and whys. Reroute to the Throne of a Holy and Loving God who is constant and faithful, and follow a path, straight, narrow and well lit with Truth, to Life Everlasting.
I Wish you Peace, in your heart and in your life,
Gretchen