What are markers of faithfulness and trustworthiness? We have addressed the importance of taking personal responsibility and transparency. This month we will look at the marker of using honest weights.
The Bible speaks often of “even weights:”
Do not have differing weights in your bag, one heavy and one light. (Deut. 5:13)
Differing weights and varying measures— both are detestable to the Lord. (Prov. 20:10)
Can I excuse wicked scales or bags of deceptive weights? (Micah 6:11)
Let’s bring these words into the 21st century and focus on the God behind them. He finds differing weights and varying measures detestable. He does not excuse deceptive scales.
A marker of faithfulness is using the same measure for ourselves as we do for others; using identical means of comparison–God’s Word–to apply to ourselves and others equally.
The Apostle Paul said,
For we don’t dare classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. But in measuring themselves by themselves and comparing themselves to themselves, they lack understanding. (2 Cor. 10:12)
It’s not uncommon for us to want to feel better about ourselves and justify our sin. But the Holy Spirit within us brings conviction both of who we are in Christ along with the realities of our frailty and underlying propensity to sin. This allows us to own our sin and see others clearly with a desire to help them–not judge them or use them to take the spotlight off ourselves.
As we grow in our awareness of using even weights, we are more sensitive to those who use differing weights: defining Christlike behavior as sinful and sinful behavior as Christlike. While they justify their own behavior, the slightest missteps of others are exaggerated or made much of.
What does this accomplish? It takes the focus and responsibility off of their sin and places it on others. It is a sneaky deflection that works, especially when the individual using it has a position of authority in their home, church, and/or workplace.
“The intensity with which abusers maintain their hypocritical judgmentalism is often ferocious. The more counselors and family members try to confront an abuser’s sin, the more aggressive they become in identifying and scrutinizing the sins, mistakes, and weaknesses of others.”
Applying even weights to our own lives helps us identify this sleight of hand in others. We must know God’s Word intimately, seek His Spirit, and encourage truth regardless of the outcome to correctly identify sin and experience the power of forgiveness.
Jesus sees it for what it is. One day He will sit in Judgement on the righteous and the unrighteous. Until then, His Word speaks clearly to His people,
“How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked?Selah
“Provide justice for the needy and the fatherless; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute. Rescue the poor and needy; save them from the power of the wicked.” (Psalm 82:2-4)
Prayerfully,
Clarity in Action Ministries
Note: Because prayer is vital to our lives, you are invited to join us in prayer the first Tuesday of each month from 4:00-5:00 p.m. CST. Send an email to connect@clarityministry.org and request a zoom link for our monthly prayer meeting.
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