The way of the wicked is violence. The way of the guilty is devious. They know what is right, yet they choose not to do what is right. The destiny of both will dray them away from the land of the living. They are the goats in Jesus’ parable “The Sheep and the Goats”. He concluded that parable by saying, “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” (Matthew 25:46)
Jesus’ righteous are the innocent in these two parables. They are innocent because they profess faith in Jesus. (Acts 20:21; Romans 3:21-26) The innocent choose to live an upright life. The conduct of the innocent adhering strictly to Jesus’ teachings.
For me, I have chosen to live by faith in and obedience to Jesus today and every following day. At any unexpected moment, I must be ready to make upright choices, for everyday decision junctures for action will quickly be required. A true response is to be made in and for Jesus and his teaching.
If someone is rude and violent towards me will I turn the other cheek? Will I keep my emotions and demeanor in check? Will I love my enemy? Will I be merciful, just as my Father is merciful? Will I forgive as I have been forgiven? Will I obey not judging because I am not judged? Can I give as Jesus gave to me? Will I seek to remove the plank in my eye and keep my eye clear of its regrowth? Will I live at peace with my neighbor or will I unleash the violence hidden in me? With man these are impossible, but with God all things are possible.
