Perspective

This past Monday, I had a new experience; I rode along with a State Trooper from the Caro Post. It was a quiet night, with no more excitement than routine traffic stops, and I am happy to report that none of them involved people from DCC. It was interesting to get to know the trooper and more about his work. I hope I was an encouragement to him, or at least good company for his shift.

I don’t know about you, but I tend to pay extra careful attention to my speed and driving anytime I see a police officer out on patrol. I think most people slow down, out of instinct, regardless of what speed they are going. And, for those who get stopped, a variety of emotions (frustration, nervousness, fear, etc.) come to the surface. I’m sure a number of things also run through the trooper’s mind. One thing that he wondered out loud was, “I wonder what their story (excuse) is going to be.” And, there were several … some believable, some not so likely. The trooper wasn’t “out to get” anyone, he was just upholding the law. He was a regular guy doing his job. Nonetheless, I’m sure the person stopped and the trooper had different perspectives on the situation.

I wonder how many people in this world look at God like the person who was speeding or violating some other traffic law looks at the trooper when that red light is flashing. Perhaps they look at God’s Word like they do the speed limit. Perhaps they see God as someone to be avoided, if at all possible. However, they will not be able to avoid God forever. And, if they try long enough, they will find His judgment instead of love and grace.

My question is this: When non-Christians see us, do they see God’s judgment or His love. While we need to call sin “sin,” we first need to show God’s love and grace to those around us. When we see the sins of others, I hope that we never forget that our sins have been forgiven. Indeed, we have been forgiven much. May God’s love, forgiveness, and grace be evident to all we meet.

In His grip,
Pastor Decker