So yesterday, I was burning brush at my house when the local fire department showed up and informed me I was breaking the temporary burn ban issued by the state. Apparently a "Good Samaritan" passerby called in an out-of-control brush fire. The motorist reported that the fire was a blaze, and no one was around, although I was clearly standing there when she drove by, turned around, and then pulled into my neighbor’s driveway. Mind you, I was looking right at her while she was calling. "Good Samaritan", or Karen? I think the latter, but I digress.
Not long after, as I heard the fire
sirens in the distance, I knew what had happened. At this point I was not
worried about it; I had everything under control. But when the cops and the
fire brigade showed up, I was informed of my mistake. Apparently, and I can
honestly plead ignorance, there is a fire ban between the hours of 6am-6pm
until May 31st. Well, it was 4:45pm when they showed up. I was guilty, and the
fire chief made sure that I knew that.
At first, I was upset that they
were there. I was just minding my own business cleaning up my property and not
hurting anyone else. But, I was in the wrong. My act of burning was in
violation of a rule put in place, although I was unaware of said rule. The fire
chief, who I know from high school, and I discussed the situation, and I pled
my case. He patiently listened, even agreeing with some of my arguments, but he
had a job to do and uphold his duties. I completely respect his position in the
whole situation and appreciate his patience with my ignorance!
This brings me to today, and really,
last night while lying in bed thinking about what transpired. I can honestly
say that I am not upset with the fire department for doing their job, but the
"Good Samaritan" I will refrain. I guess my biggest issue with the
whole situation is one of human nature. And I know we have all been there at
one time or another.
Here I am, just doing something
that I thought needed to be done and believing that it was just a matter of my
own effort to get things accomplished that were at stake. Although that was my
thought and ambition, reality had something else in store. The fact that I was
doing something "illegal" wasn't in and of itself what ultimately
bothered me. (I know, I'm a bad pastor!) What ultimately bothered me was the
fact that I was told that I was doing something wrong. Even though what I was
doing didn't directly affect anyone else, nor was I aware of the wrongdoing
that I was participating in, I was still wrong. This is where the human nature
piece of the pie comes into play.
When I was confronted with my
wrongdoing, I was combative to those who were presenting me with the truth.
Although I knew that they were not the ones who imposed such a regulation, they
were the ones who had to enforce the law. I'm really not upset with them at
all, I'm more upset with myself. I'm upset for a couple of reasons: 1) I
could've been a little nicer initially when the lights and sirens stopped in
front of the house blocking the road and drawing attention to something that I
thought was not a big deal. And 2) I violated a law that I had no idea even
existed. I know, people make mistakes, and no one is perfect. And I believe
that. I guess it's more that I was guilty of something, and someone pointed it
out that really bothered me.
So why am I sharing all this with
you? I think there are a few lessons here to learn. First, don't shoot the
messenger who is just doing their job. The fire chief and his crew were merely
doing what they were enlisted and given the authority to do. Regardless of
whether I agreed with it or not, what they were doing was right. Second, don't
let your pride have the best of you even if you are ignorant of the truth.
Although I had no idea that the ban was in place my ignorance doesn't excuse
any actions that may have taken place. Third, and most importantly, when
someone confronts you with the truth, listen before you respond. Don't be
argumentative because someone is pointing out the truth, listen to them and let
your response come from a heart that is wanting to do right.
God does not expect us to be
perfect in life and everything we do. He does, although, require us to be
humble and submissive to His truth. I know that my experience noted here isn't necessarily
a spiritual truth, but it is an example of how most of us react when faced with
truth. Even though the practical nature is what is seen here, the spiritual
implications are easily relatable.
In summary, don't try to burn the
neighborhood down by your actions in ignorance (whether physically or
spiritually). Receive correction when found in the wrong, and allow God to
speak to you through every situation you find yourself in. He really does want
what's best for us!
