Frequently as I read a proverb an image forms in my mind. The words seem for form colors, textures, and shapes playing out as caricatures originally found only in the writers mind. As I read today’s verse…“Whoever sows sin reaps weeds, and bullying anger sputters into nothing.” (Proverbs 22.8) I found myself watching a series of vignettes play out.
English yobs were taking over one scene, pushing and forcing other fans into submission. Self-centered corporate types (is that redundant?) exploited everyone would came within their grasp or influence. Mothers and fathers treated their children as long abandoned toys that were clearly going out of fashion.
As the scenes matured I found the shorts merging into each other and moving towards a bizarre conclusion where each of the bad guys ended up with nothing. Sure others were hurt and bleeding. Granted some of the corporate types were driving fancy cars and living in big homes. Some of the children even went on to become amazing people in their own right. Yet each of the lead characters found themselves without peace, facing judgment, and struggling for identity.
If I pause to reflect I can see myself in many of the scenes. At sometime I have exploited others, bullied someone into a position, or ignored those closest to me in my family network. The reflection in the mirror is all too familiar! The question is; what am I going to do about the reflection I find myself staring at.
When we look at our steps we find that we have been walking in mud, yuck, and puddles. The hard reality is that most if not all of the choices have been fully and completely ours. Before one goes into denial let me suggest that as ugly as the scene is, at least the one I see, there is awesome news. God knows every nuance of the pictures and even more than we can image. With this knowledge he responded with unlimited mercy, unconditional grace, and life transforming acceptance. What is left is simple; chose God’s way or my way.
