Not long ago a senior police officer resigned, after making a mistake – allowing sensitive papers to be seen by the Press.
Without doubt this was a serious error, but how godly is a culture that expects heads to roll the moment someone makes a mistake?
In John chapter 8, Jesus directly addresses this problem. A woman had been caught by the authorities committing adul
tery. They brought her to Jesus asking what should be done. Should she be stoned, as the law stipulated?
Three aspects of this story are worth considering in our current culture.
First of all, he did not answer immediately. He stooped on the ground and wrote in it. The Bible makes it clear he did this for a little while. Haste does not make for good judgment. Let us suspend judgment for a while, ponder and reflect before we make up our mind.
Second, Jesus did not defend or condone the woman's action. She had done wrong. Indeed, the account ends with Jesus warning her not to do so again.
Overlooking wrong actions is not helpful. Excusing bad behaviour is the root of some of our current woes in society.
Third, Jesus allows the punishment to be carried out, but only by someone who was perfect themselves. Not one person was found capable.
Let us remember that, the next time someone falls while the media spotlight is on them.
Would we be found perfect, so that we could pass judgment on them?
