Willing to Turn ...

Monday, Feb 4, 2019. Sometimes we realize that we need to turn around on our path. Sometimes we realize that we need to change our behaviour. Some change is needed even for our heart, for what we think, what we want, for our dreams and goals. What is it to be changed? What is it for you? Where do realize that you are not on a good path?

Self-critical …

It is important to be self-critical. It is important to be willing to see where you could do better - or even where you are completely on the wrong track. In Psalm 51, the song writer asks for a clean heart, for a willing spirit, that is a spirit which wants to be shaped and filled by the holy Lord:

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. (Psalm 51, 10ff)

Some people are better in this than others. Some people have real difficulties with being self-critical. There are others, of course, who have difficulties to see the good things as well. Being self-critical does not mean you cannot see your strength any more. It is both, it is the ability to see both sides, the good and the bad, the brilliant and the evil.

Clear Measuring Rod …

We need a good and clear measuring rod for being self-critical. We do not want to judge things which are not to be judged. We do want to identify those things where we should change.

Why should you change at all? Is not everyone good? But look around you, look what lies and deceit you find everywhere day by day. Look at burglaries and damange which is caused in so many places around the world. Look at the many people who have to flee war and destruction. Do you believe that is part of the other side only? It is not. It is to a good extent everywhere. In each and every country you find it. Even within you yourself.

The bible in the Old and New Testament provides a pillar of truth, mercy and healing. If you search for a measuring rod, take God himself. Take the biblical books, culminating in the life story of Christ Jesus. Here, you find the right balance of love and truth, of the ability to identify evil and to look at humans with full compassion and love and mercy.

I think that there is no other sustainable way into the future. Only when truth meets love, when honesty meets forgiveness, you find a truly sustainable path. This path can be found in Jesus. And in him we also find clear guidance how to look at ourselves - with a critical view, but still full of love and mercy. And then, he gives us future, hope and reconciliation. (Roland Potthast) ... further texts