I have a good friend who is being baptized this weekend. It’s an exciting event when a person makes a conscious decision to make Jesus the Lord of their life. To celebrate one of the pastors at the church invited us all to her home for dinner. We gladly accepted. Then we found out my friend’s family also wanted to celebrate so he couldn’t be at the pastor’s home. So I called and uninvited myself by saying, “The only reason we were coming was to be with my friend.” Now just how stupid was that! As the words flowed from my mouth I realized I was an idiot. “The only reason was .” That was amazingly insensitive. It wasn’t even true. I really enjoy the pastor’s company. She is bright, quick, witty and a joy to be around. But no, I had to say the “only” reason I was coming was for my other friend. She was so kind. She should have said, “You jerk. I’ll never have you over again.” She didn’t. Graciously she spoke about another time.
So how often does our mouth work without having our brain in gear? At least on this occasion I heard myself. What I am guessing is I most likely do it every day without realizing it. It is a lesson to me not to be so quick to think other people are jerks when they say something stupid. Looking in the mirror is a very good reason not to be harsh with others and to give people the benefit of the doubt.
I haven’t apologized yet but I am going to do so just as soon as I finish writing this confession of my stupidity.
Written by Roger Bothwell on August 20, 2010
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org