Wisdom for life
by Kathy Matuschka
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Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous (Psalm 112:4).
Read Psalm 112:1–10
These words used by the psalmist: ‘upright’ and ‘wicked’ can be challenging, because they seem to suggest that these are two distinct groups of people in this world. In times when polarisation is rife, and each group claims to be the right (or upright) one, how can we as Christians condone the judgement of people as either upright or wicked? Why do the psalmists keep challenging us with these binaries?
Is that what this psalm is about though? We only need to look at the verse above to recognise that as people who claim to love Jesus, we don’t always fit the definition of upright, as we are not always gracious and compassionate. In fact, the opposite can be true: often when we are most focused on the work we are doing for God, our behaviour toward others can be incredibly insensitive!
Sometimes it seems that the more you grasp at righteousness the more it eludes your grip! Aside from graciousness and compassion, Psalm 112 also tells us that following God’s commands mean that you: are generous and lend freely, pay attention to justice and freely scatter your gifts to the poor. If I were to judge myself by the percentage of time and energy I spend on these pursuits, I would not qualify as upright!
One more thing: Psalm 112 suggests that those who find delight in God’s commands also tend to enjoy wealth and honour within their community. In his Beatitudes (where we began this week), Jesus flipped these two assumptions on their heads. So, we can’t use wealth or honour as indicators of our righteousness!
Perhaps we need to recognise this psalm (and many others) as more of a call to faithful living than a checklist for judging ourselves or others.
The thing that encourages me about the Beatitudes and today’s psalm are that they are concerned about our daily living. Whatever our vocation, the principles for ‘doing life’ apply equally to us, and offer something to teach and guide us during any stage in our lives.
Dear Jesus, thank you that because of your life, death and resurrection and the power of your Spirit living in me, I can hope to grow each day in grace and compassion toward myself and others. Fill me with your wisdom and love today, Amen.
For most of her life, Kathy Matuschka has preferred to give witness to her Christian faith using her ears and her hands. As a person for whom writing has not come easily, she now delights in learning to share her gospel hope using words as well. Kathy serves within the LCA Queensland District as Assistant Director for Ministry & Mission.
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