“After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door, then will you stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord, open the door for us.’ He will say to you in reply, ‘I do not know where you are from.’”

Observing people while avoiding judgment can be a valuable lesson in growing one’s own virtues. On a recent business trip, I noted how fewer people seem to embrace a heart like Jesus. Yes, I know how dangerously close that statement is to judging, especially when only God knows the hearts of men, but what dwells within should be evident in our behavior. Again, I am speaking to myself!

One particularly upsetting moment took place on the flight home. Sitting across the aisle—a young mother with a toddler on her lap. In front of them, a middle-aged gentleman fixated on his phone. The child slept for the first half of the flight and awoke with renewed energy. Facing his mother, his back on the man’s seat, I am sure the older passenger was jolted by his seat being pushed forward more than a few times. We seem to forget another human is on the other side of the headrest. This inconsideration, however, could never justify his seemingly retaliatory behavior of flinging his seat back into a reclined position, striking the child in the head with the rigid plastic media holder. Angry words were exchanged, as you can imagine, and my heart sank for the loss of common courtesy and the ability to communicate with kindness. In short, to be Jesus in the world, I must walk daily through that narrow door of Christian living and love.

Our lower nature battles too often against our desire to do good, fueled by a society that says you deserve to be first and get everything you want; don’t be pushed around. Jesus, the epitome of meekness and humility, calls us to embrace this more difficult path because it comes with the greatest reward. Many will strive to enter, but not all will be strong enough, especially if they rely on themselves and do not lean on the grace of God!  The bottom line is that God never asks for the impossible.

As I sat waiting to disembark the plane, the boy’s father stood in the aisle, with his coat repeatedly hitting me. I politely pointed out what I knew he was unaware was happening. He apologized, the behavior ceased, and we left the plane content. Would I have taken this gentle approach had I not witnessed the earlier exchange? I’d like to say yes, but I know myself better than that. Pray, as you observe any situation that upsets you, for every heart involved to be softened, molded to Christ’s, especially your own.

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