“The wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God…” –but a repentant heart does.
Whether you thought it was staged or not, everyone who watched (or heard about) the Oscars on Sunday saw this play out for us perfectly. Will Smith apparently got angry with host Chris Rock for using his wife as the brunt of a joke and walked on stage and slapped him publicly, adding a few choice words as he returned to his seat.
Moments later, Will Smith won an Oscar for best actor for his role in the movie King Richard. During his acceptance speech, he tearfully apologized to the Academy and everyone present. Most of the time, I’m not one to comment publicly on current events, but as I watched the videos, I immediately thought of James 1:19-20.
“Understand [this], my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry. For man’s anger does not promote the righteousness God [wishes and requires]” (AMP).
The flesh is quick to fly off the handle. We’ve all been guilty at one time or another of saying or doing something out of anger and/or frustration. I’m grateful my outbursts weren’t displayed (and replayed) by millions on national television, but that doesn’t make them any less wrong or harmful.
The Bible says, “For no person will be justified (made righteous, acquitted, and judged acceptable) in His sight by observing the works prescribed by the Law. For [the real function of] the Law is to make men recognize and be conscious of sin [not mere perception, but an acquaintance with sin which works toward repentance, faith, and holy character” (Romans 3:20, AMP).
In other words, no matter how right it “felt” in the moment, none of us can justify wrong actions. But the real test is whether we nurture those wrong feelings that made us act unbecomingly, or whether we feel convicted and repent.
Righteousness is right-standing with God. It also describes doing things God’s way. People receive righteousness by faith– faith in Jesus Christ through an acknowledgement of sin and their need for a Savior. So repentance plays a big part in how we first received righteousness, and how we maintain a righteous life.
Isaiah said (speaking of Jerusalem and God’s people), “Zion will be restored by justice; those who repent will be revived by righteousness” (Isaiah 1:27, NLT). The same is true for us today.
Will Smith went on to say that love will make you do crazy things. I agree. And I would say love FOR GOD will make you do crazy things too– like repent when you know you were wrong. I don’t know if Will Smith is a believer but I was glad to see him own his actions and instead of justifying himself, repent and apologize.
The Bible says King David was a man after God’s own heart although he was an adulterer and a murderer. Do you know why? Because he was quick to repent and own his actions (Psalm 51). King Saul, on the other hand, was charged with far less sin but instead of owning it when confronted, he blamed the people. And God said, “I regret making you king” (1 Samuel 15). The difference is clear.
“The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God” (Psalm 51:17, NLT).
May this be a lesson we all pause and think about.
