The Daily today over at friendsfollowingjesus.com talked about the urge to use the spiritual power we are given by God for our own selfish advantages.
While I have never been asked to pledge loyalty to an abusive leader or watched my friend and teacher get arrested, I know I too have faced similar temptation.
I think of a conversation I had with a friend almost a decade ago now. She had asked me to be in her wedding, but I had to decline because of serious concerns about the marriage. While the conversation about this was miserable for both of us, I know looking back that I made it worse.
Rather than considering her position and trying to be gracious and understanding, while still holding to my conviction, I spoke too authoritatively and aggressively. My conclusion was right, but my heart was too self-righteous. My words and convictions were a sword I used to cut her.
Have you had a similar experience where your own righteousness was ultimately a sword you wielded in unrighteous ways?