Sometimes I visualize the wrongs I have committed as islands
in the sea. The expanse of the sea,
however, represents all those things I should have done but didn’t. There is no room in this picture for
self-righteousness of any sort. Law
abiding society can often be very harsh and self-righteous in its treatment of
law breakers while being totally indulgent of those blind to exigent moral
imperatives. [Moral imperative: something
that must happen because it is the right thing. Example: Tackling the issue of poverty is a moral
imperative. (Macmillan Dictionary)].
In fact, in the latter case the attitude typically is that there is
nothing to forgive. I do not argue here for
making the perceptually purblind in the presence of moral imperatives criminals,
I just plead for more humility and grace on the part of those addicted to
selective morality. Jesus said it is
difficult for the rich to enter the kingdom of God (Luke 18 NIV). “Rich” is not only a condition of wealth but
also a state of mind in which we insist on being in the driver’s seat—the
presiding judge of who is worthy and who is not. In such a position, we inherently are
impervious to self-evaluation and shame.
Sometimes it seems we pride ourselves in being brand new clothes and consequently
are a little on the stiff side. Much
suppleness can be gained from a good washing in the rough and tumble of life.
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