We are bulls in a china shop.
Yes, you and me. That’s us, barreling through life, knocking people down as we chase after the good things we hope to achieve.
Chances are, we don’t often realize the impact of the debris scattered around us: the hurt feelings; the financial struggles; the broken china of other people’s lives.
We’re moving on, focused on us, not seeing the damage we’ve caused.
Don’t believe it? If you’ve ever made an excuse . . . I was hungry . . . I was having a rough day . . . my bank account was running low . . . I was running late . . . and that’s why I couldn’t help.
That’s why I couldn’t help . . . wasn’t polite . . . cut you off in traffic . . . didn’t wave as I passed you on the sidewalk . . . didn’t notice your children needed new shoes . . . didn’t offer you a ride . . .
We think: “I would have, except . . .”
Luke 16:15 says:
“And he said to them, ‘You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.’ ”
Here are two key truths to take from this verse:
Key Truth No. 1:
As humans, we want to justify our actions. We need to feel honorable, kind, and generous. We must stop and ask: By God’s standards, are we all those things?
Key Truth No. 2:
God’s standard of behavior is different than ours. He esteems things we find easy to set aside. Kindness, generosity, thoughtfulness, even when it inconveniences us.
Life is a china shop. It’s easy to hurt others and not realize they’ve been left battered and bruised. Our job is to be aware of the debris we leave in our wake, and to take the time to repair the damage we’ve left behind.
The more we live by God’s standards, the easier it is to offer his love to everyone we meet.
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Code: FGO.F.24.20b.vp.esv