It is God who weighs a heart correctly (vs 2). Pastor Chuck taught us that when we judge ourselves we tend do it based on our intentions, but a greater indicator of how well we are following Jesus is our impact on other people. When have your intentions been good, but you still missed the mark and wounded another? Or if sharing with a group, share a story of a character in a book or movie or in Scripture that meant well but whose impact on others was damaging.
Pastor Chuck defined doing what is right (vs.3) as acting in a way that brings honor to the other. How would ‘assuming the best of each other’ or ‘remembering how different God made us all’ bring honor to another, especially if you are in a conflict with them? Which of these two recommendations is easier for you?
Pastor Chuck identified doing what is just (vs.3) as ‘measurable righteousness’ where we provide access to resources and support reconciliation that promotes shalom, which is the wellbeing, not only of individuals, but the larger community and especially the most vulnerable. For several years, LAC’s Community Outreach Ministries has had four focus areas as LAC pursues justice and wholeness for our community:Homelessness, Incarceration & Re-Entry, Immigrant Issues and Education. Which of these four areas might God be pulling on your heart to participate in in order to increase the welfare of our neighbors? Is there another justice issue God has put on your heart to take action? If you would like to learn more about what LAC’s four priorities are and how to participate with them, this webpage can tell you more and link you to appropriate staff: www.lakeave.org/ministries/community-outreach
Pastor Chuck said, “We cannot be righteous people if we are not seeking justice and we cannot be just people if we are not seeking righteousness.” How do you see these two statements working together? Consider Chuck’s definitions of both is right and what is just. Where in scripture do you see Jesus (or his followers) doing what is just and right?
Take time to pray that you will see yourself, your obligations, your opportunities, your circumstances, and those around you with the LORD’s eyes, so that pride (vs.4) will fall away and you will be able to be as God calls you to be in this world.
Chuck Hunt