the    sides

A couple of weeks ago I walked through the story of David moving the ark. David learned that good intentions weren’t enough. Skill is needed.

Don’t you hate it when reality confirms a sermon you’ve already preached?

Got a left-field phone call yesterday from a former student. It appears that I am my own poster child. Good intentions + bad skill = people get hurt. The call was to remind me how I was a wounder. Even after years of laughter and catching up and growing up - the wound was there.

Did I mean to wound? No - but does that really matter? Nobody sane means to hurt anybody. Does having good intentions soften the wound anymore? I’m beginning to think that it doesn’t. In fact, it may make it worse.

If somebody intentionally wants to hurt you and the spears start flying, you more often than not see it coming. Plus - that’s all out war and defenses can be made and counterattacks planned. (I’m NOT saying that’s right or biblical, I’m just saying it happens.) But if someone you trust and love hurts you - even accidently - that’s a lot harder to deal with.

As I listened to the call - how many times have I ‘defended’ and ‘rationalized’ my wounds with ‘good intentions’? How many times have I explained away wounds with humor and big words? How many times have I proved that all I really am is a more eloquent wounder than others? How many middle school memories have I belittled for the sake of self-preservation? “I was teasing.” “That’s not what was really said.” “Let me tell you what really happened.” “That’s not what I meant.”

And all of it could be truth - but it’s not necessarily love.

The Spirit is reminding me of David’s heart and Saul’s heart…He’s reminding me of my lent readings.

Just repent.

And forgiveness came before I could get the words out of my mouth.

“I forgive you.”

Thank you. Lessons learned yesterday?

1. I’m not Superman.
2. Motives aren’t enough. Love enough to get better and sharpen your skills.
3. Love does cover a multitude of sin but might not immediately heal all wounds.
4. It’s worth the risk and pain to do student ministry.