Whoa...you don't have to go far in this chapter before conviction hits. Take a good look at verse 2. "For we all stumble in many things..."
This past week, a tragic accident occurred in a city near mine. A children's train in a park overturned causing several injuries and the death of a 6-year-old son of a pastor/volunteer firefighter in the city.
As the story developed, it was discovered that an inspector had recently passed the train when he shouldn't have, and the conductor himself admitted that "he knew better" than to go as fast as he was at the time of the accident. He doesn't know how he will live with himself now. A blog of his was discovered (before it was taken offline) that showed his daily maintenance of the train and related some of the work he did and challenges he faced with the train. I believe the man truly loved working with trains and having fun with kids. I think he simply made a very unwise choice--born perhaps out of overconfidence--by taking the train up to a higher speed on it's third--tragic--loop.
When things like this happen, people are quick to cast blame. "He shouldn't have done that!" or "The inspector is at fault." I don't disagree. But according to the verse above, (and even the one prior that tells people to be careful about wanting to become a teacher) is a strong reminder that NO ONE is exempt from the possibility of sinning and hurting others. I know that God has protected me from being in or causing an accident when I have done something thoughtless with my vehicle. We've all been distracted when we should have paid attention to that child we were supposed to keep an eye on, or said something without filtering it, causing hurt and offense.
I feel bad for both gentlemen. I understand that they will have to bear consequences. I think they are already tormenting themselves about this. Their lives, and the lives of the families involved will never be the same. But don't be too quick to judge. As it is for them, God's mercy and forgiveness are available, and because it is unearned, we have no justification to become proud or ever say, "I would never let that happen."
- In what ways do you feel pride over some sinful practice that you would "never" fall into?
- How quick are you to judge the mistakes of others or cast blame?
- How much do you appreciate the mercy and forgiveness of God in your life?
- How would your life and relationships be different if you always considered yourself to be "the biggest sinner in the room"?
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