The traffic stretched for miles ahead. It seemed as though we had not moved more than a few feet in the last half hour. My company truck had no air conditioning and even though it was September, I was sweating. The radio blasted some oldies tune out of the 60’s but it did not help me deal with the building ‘road rage’ I was feeling. I really needed a drink.
I had been on the wagon for about three days now and thought I was doing pretty good. I had only sneaked a sip or two of whiskey from the bottle under my seat and a couple more from the bottle hidden in my garage. But as I sat in this never-ending traffic jam, I knew my will power was about done.
Reaching under my seat, I fumbled around but no bottle. What was going on? I know it was there last night. How could it be missing. Maybe I had inadvertently put it under the passenger seat, so I dug under there for a while. Nothing! Somebody had stolen my bottle. One of that crew of mine had the nerve to go in my truck and steal what did not belong to him.
The rage I already felt increased as I ran through every guy who was on the job today. Imagining how he would have done it. The anger built more and more, soon I was pounding on the steering wheel. Now it was time for revenge, I thought. And as the traffic crept along the 405 just north of Sepulveda Boulevard, I ran many scenarios through my mind. Man, someone was going to pay!
Within another 45 minutes the traffic finally started to move at a normal rush hour pace. I would be home in another 30 minutes, then I would start calling each one of those guys, I was sure I could pressure one of them into admitting their crime. I was relishing how miserable I would make that person’s life. Yes, revenge would be sweet.
Soon as I pulled in the driveway, I immediately headed to my office, not stopping to talk to my wife or even say hello. Digging out my company phonebook, I dialed the first number and as Hector answered, I said, “Did you steal the bottle of whiskey out of my truck?” There was a silence, then an indignant voice said, “What, are you crazy, man? Why would I steal your bottle? I ain’t desperate, I can buy my own booze. What is wrong with you?” I pressed harder, “So if you didn’t do it who did? You must have seen it! Almost frantic now, I screamed, “Tell me, who did it!” But all I heard was a dial tone. He had hung up! Swearing and cursing at the phone I slammed down the receiver.
Several calls went just like that. Some of my guys hung up like Hector. Others tried to reason with me, but my anger and vengeance was not to be appeased. After a while my wife came in and asked, “What is wrong with you?” But I just pushed past her and headed for the garage. I needed a drink.
Once in the garage I went to my hiding place, where I kept my bottle and to my surprise there were two bottles there. “What the ….?” I said mumbling to myself. Then I remembered I had hidden my truck bottle here so I would not drink during the day. No one had stolen my bottle. Hanging my head, I felt like a heel. It was going to be a long day tomorrow and I would be eating a lot of crow. My thought was have a drink, you are going to need it.
Paul was truly inspired when he wrote, “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much depends on you, live peacefully with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay.” Says the Lord. (Romans 12: 17-19) In my time I have sought revenge and vengeance often and many times without good reason or provocation. And even now as I strive to walk the path of my Savior I find even the smallest slight can lead me back down that road.
Some would say, doesn’t the Bible itself have words that condone such feeling, look at the Book of Exodus, “But if there is harm, then you shall pay life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot….” (Exodus 21: 23-24) But Jesus knew such teachings were being misunderstood and said this, “You have heard that it has been said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I say unto you, do not resist one who does evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” (Matthew 5: 38-39) If we are to be like Him who died for each of us, today is the day we learn to love even those who we perceive are doing us harm. And that can only be done by grace and the power of the Holy Spirit!
I did eat a lot of crow the next day, but not graciously or with any humility. I grumbled and found extra fault in everything of those who were teasing me. My bottle soon came up missing from under my seat and this time it was for real. A lesson I did not learn back then, was one I seek to know every day, “If I keep my eyes on Jesus no slight or provocation will cause me anger or the need for vengeance.” With prayer and surrender today this can be true in my life and yours.
Blessings John,
9/3/18
