Our pastor said something curious this weekend.
Bad things are often done by people who think they’re doing the right thing.
At first it seemed like a simple statement, but I thought about it a little more while I was cranking my bike Monday afternoon.
How often do I do that? How often am I absolutely sure I’m doing what’s right, when I’m really doing something wrong?
People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Mark 10:13-14
The disciples were trying to help. They wanted to keep the demanding crowds away, especially since they were bringing children who weren’t held in especially high regard. They truly had Jesus’ best interests in their hearts. But He didn’t just tell them they were wrong. It says He became “indignant.”
Apparently, they really messed up. Despite their best intentions, despite being certain they were doing the right thing, they acted in direct opposition to Jesus’ wishes.
I get pretty focused on my own convictions and standards. I’m pretty sure about my inner sense of right and wrong. As long as my heart’s in the right place, I can be awfully sure about my ability to know the right direction.
I wonder how often I’m sure I’m doing the right thing while going in the wrong direction.
Apparently I need a different compass.
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