“18Whoever takes and animal’s life shall make if good, life for life. 19If anyone injures his neighbor, as he has done it shall be done to him, 20fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; whatever injury he has given a person shall be given to him.” – Leviticus 24:18-20 (ESV)
This was certainly not what I expected to study this morning. But, a great way to start the week, thinking about accountability and value.
We have a responsibility to be the example of Christ each and every day in each and every situation. We act with love and care, but when we do not, we are responsible to answer for our actions. Just saying “sorry” does not absolve us of our actions. Our accountability should fit our actions, and this is what is being referred to in the verses above.
We have to look past the letter and look to the intent. The punishment should fit the crime or the retribution should equal the discretion. If we find ourselves in a position where we are on the wrong side of a discretion, we should expect to “pay the piper” for those actions accordingly.
When we are looking at the actions and consequences of those actions, it is our responsibility to seek guidance to be sure that we are holding responsible at the right level, “eye for eye and tooth for tooth”. We should be looking to God for that guidance and direction. Likewise we should be seeking to be held accountable for our actions. We should be looking to God to be sure that our actions are in line with obedience to Him.
Has there been a situation where you have “over punished”? Have you been “under punished” and walked away as though you got away with one? Are you seeking equal accountability for your actions?
Trevor's Thoughts 