Two Wrongs Don’t Make a Right (But Three “Lefts” Will)

“…he has cheated me…But God has not allowed him to do me any harm.” Genesis 31:7 (NLT)

Jacob had constant problems with his father-in-law, Laban, not the least of which had to be the infamous wedding day switch-a-roo. At every turn, Laban worked to out fox Jacob. Likewise, Jacob was on constant guard against the schemes of his elder.

The whole “speckled and streaked” deal is a perfect example. David asks for the “inferior” animals. Laban agrees. Laban pulls them all out and removes them far away so they won’t mate and multiply. Jacob concocts some kind of “superstition” process to increase his flock. Laban starts to figure out that he has been out maneuvered again when it becomes clear that God (not Jacob’s manipulation) has prevailed.

As the saying goes, “Two wrongs don’t make a right, but three “lefts” will. In the same way, everyone needs to be careful in trying to even the score. The back and forth of such efforts rarely gets anybody anywhere. When left in God’s hands, things always turn out right (according to God’s plan).

Jacob left his marriage to Rachel in God’s hands. Jacob left his wages from Laban in God’s hands. Jacob left his return to face Esau in God’s hands, and it turned out right. These “lefts” will go right in Joseph as he considers his own journey with God in the face of his mistreatment by his brothers. “You intended it for evil, but God meant it for good.”

ONETHING: Left in God’s hands, things always turn right.

Fully living the ChristLife requires the Habit of Virtue wherein we constantly review our behavior to see if it was “right”. We are to do “good”, always. The temptation is constantly there to respond to people and circumstances just like anybody would, but we are not just “anybody.” We are Jesus-people. Christ now lives through us.

It seems popular today, even among Christians, to “hate” on the church. I hear so-called “Christian leaders” saying stuff like, “I hate religion; but I love Jesus.” “I love Jesus, I just don’t care for the church.” “Don’t go to church; Be the church!” To me, all that shows a real shallow understanding of the way in which we are to live the ChristLife in connection with the “body of Christ”, that which Jesus referred to as “My Church.” Rather than “hating on” what you don’t like, why not do the right thing and leave all that in Jesus’ hands, and just make sure you are “doing good” like you should? Instead of “hating”, just love and forgive. You will be headed in the right direction, feel better and it will save a lot of time.

PlusONE: Don’t hate on “haters”, love and forgive instead.