We all do stupid things, but I’ve noticed how little grace and how much scorn I have for the stupidity, impulsiveness, thoughtlessness, and weakness of others. This is true even though I expect grace and understanding for my own stupidity, impulsiveness, thoughtlessness, and weakness.
Here is what hit me today: none of us set out to do something stupid. There is always some reason (possibly a horrifically bad one) for what we do. We may not be aware of the need or impulse deep inside motivates us to make the same mistake over and over again, but it must be there for… here we go again.
Back to my scorn for other’s stupidity... the very first line of the very first Psalm in the Hebrew Scriptures is the “Blessed is the one who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or stand in the way of sinners, or sit in the seat of MOCKERS.” Unfortunately I fear I’ve spent enough time with the mockers that I’ve got a seat with my name on it in their midst. This is not all that unlike the practice at Spencer’s Steaks and Chops of giving frequent guests a nameplate over their favorite booth, only I don't think there is any honor in seat among the MOCKERS.
Only now I’d like to publically give up my seat. I’ve felt the damage scorn does to me, even as I’ve secretly dished it out at others. Of course, I pride myself that I cover my scorn with a smile so they’ll never know. But this is a lie. I pick up theirs; they pick up mine. Most of us survive by having sensitive antenna, and I now believe I’ve caused a lot of damage with scorn over the years.
In place of scorn I’d like to try a shot at the grace I so long for myself. I need to remember that no one willfully intends to be stupid. In place of scorn I’d like to instead look for what might lead a person to do what seems to me to be so foolish or destructive, wasteful or frivolous. Not that I may ever really know, but at least then I won’t be dumping as much of my scorn into the collective well. For after all I think that very well is the same I need to go to for water.
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So one has to wonder if it was an act of unkindness toward someone else, one in which you hurt someone deeply and realized they knew you felt contempt toward them, or if it was an act of unkindness directed at you that woke you to an area in your life in need of improvement. Not that it really matters or that I wish ill will toward you, but I hope it was the latter. Better that we learn through things done to us than things we do to hurt others.
The truth is that we all like to think we’re smarter, just a little more superior than the guy next to us. We want to believe that we, if ever in their position, would listen to the sage advice being doled out. We erroneously sit in judgment and offer little or no grace, only disdain and derision. You aren’t alone in your marked seat in the “Mockers Club,” we all have special chairs with our names inscribed boldly in gold on them. If someone begs to differ then they are lying to themselves. It’s simply human nature.
I try my best to treat others as I would want to be treated, but it isn’t always easy and I don’t always succeed. I have a lot of very human moments. And I’ve had periods in my life when scorn for the stupidity of others was a common emotion. Now I try to remember Nehemiah’s prayer when he was being mocked. He asked that God have it fall back on the heads of his tormentors. I don’t want someone to pray that the scorn I’ve shown them will come back to me. Instead I’d like someone to pray that the love and compassion I’ve shown will follow me all the days of my life.
Hey there! Let's see . . . Something comes to my mind from a friend who is a successful Commercial director in Los Angeles who is under scrutiny, insult and bombardment by those who think they could have done it better, or voice views that may not reflect his creative style or beliefs. He once said to me, "Susan, it doesn't matter what others think of you, it really is none of your business". By staying on track with gifts the Lord has given to each one of us as His children, we all may have different paths and agendas, but if we are truly focused on the Lord and His will, the end result, no matter how foolish it may appear to others will undoubtedly have a positive outcome if we are being led by the Lord in spirit and thought. My friend wins awards every year for his success with humorous and creative directing, yet others always have something to say while he is in the act of directing. To stay on track, look only within yourself and find peace by trusting God . . . leave the rest for God. His agenda may not be ours, and this is where unrest lies. Keep it simple! BIG SMILE. Come see my blog too!
davincicodemovieblog.blogspot.com/
Susan Hardy
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