I shared a devotional in our staff meeting this week along the theme of “Blessed are the peacemakers…” Here is part of what I shared with our team…
Decades ago, when I was only 12, I had a paper route in our neighborhood. Most days the route was uneventful, allowing me some time to walk and be by myself, but on occassion a conflict occurred with a couple of boys who lived down the block from me. They were my age, or a little younger, and they liked to follow me on my route as I delivered papers, and harass me.
I quoted Proverbs 32:1 to myself, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Then one faitful day the bigger of the two threw a stick at me. I remembered Jesus words, “if you brother strikes you turn to him the other cheek” and did nothing in response but kept walking. Then he picked up a rock to throw and I determined in my mind that if he through the rock I would respond. He did. I did, and somewhere in the world today there is a man walking around with some false teeth because of me.
When I got home, my father had discovered what I had done and made me go to the boys house to apologize. I did. Dad said we would probably have to pay for some dental bills but we never did, and the boy never bothered me again.
Our lesson this week is on being a peacemaker. I’ve never fully resolved this in my heart. Does being a follower of Jesus mean that what I did was wrong? I’m certainly sorry that I knocked out his teeth, I only meant to pursuade him to leave me alone. But did I do wrong? And when is it appropriate to fight for oneself, or for a loved one?
I know someone has probably got this one figured out and if you’re reading this you’re thinking, “I can’t believe Matt is asking so simple a question.” You’re probably right, but I’m simple.
It’s amazing how little things like this continue to be life lessons long after they have passed.
Hey Matt. this is my first time to your blogsite. I like it alot. Your last couple of sentences compels me to respond. Let me start my saying that know where in Torah does it say that we are to be doormats! Self defense is a given in Jewish life and the Rabbi’s give this subject much debate in the Talmud. I believe that often times christians misunderstand this concept and take it to places that are not healthy. There is a saying in Rabbinic’s that says “there is always a higher mitzvot(or commandment) and this is what Jesus meant when he asked the question “who, on the Sabbath,would not pull your donkey out of a ditch? Which goes the commandment of not doing any work on the Sabbath and Jesus here says that sometimes work is necessary in order to preserve life which is always understood to be a good thing. So, your friend, by picking on you(threatening you) is breaking a commandment that says you are to love your neighbor, and maybe, just maybe by you sticking up for yourself(defending life) may have been the most loving thing that could be done for that little rascal. So then, how do we understand what Jesus said about turning the other cheek and yet have the right to defend oneself when necessary? I have know idea! But I encourage you to promote peace at all costs and defend life at all costs and when the two concepts collide, trust G-d to work out the details knowing that of all the things that G-d is, being JUST is one of HIS highest attributes. Good luck….your friend…Jon