The
Bible dares to include stories of good people doing bad things. One such story is of a man named Samson and
is recorded in the book of Judges. Ironically, many of us feel the need to JUDGE
Samson’s life (as well as the lives of many others). We ask questions like: “Was Samson a man of
God who was loyal and dedicated?” “Did
he live his life for God or for himself?”
“How good a guy was Samson, really?”
And my favorite, “How does my life compare with Samson’s?” Samson was supposed to be dedicated to the
Lord but was consistently impulsive and angry.
We ask
questions of judgment all the time about the Samsons of our day; whether it is about
our neighbors, acquaintances, coworkers, and many others. In fact, I constantly size myself up with
people that I ought not. The Bible
encourages us not to compare
ourselves; that it is unwise (2 Cor. 10:12).
I wish I could tell you that I don’t judge people. What I can tell you, honestly, is that I’m slowly
getting better at not.
There
is not much good to find in the record of Samson’s life, and it would be easy
to pass him off as a selfish, egotistical jerk who manipulated others to get
his way. He committed fits of rage; married
an ungodly woman outside of his heritage; slept with a prostitute; murdered
thousands of people in an act of war; and sought revenge rather than
pardon. Yet, for some strange reason,
Samson is listed as a hero of faith in Hebrews 11:32.
It seems to me that God is willing to overlook a lifetime of failure for a moment of faith.
I have to tell you – that relieves me! But then, why am I so quick to categorize people into cute little boxes labeled: “Sainthood,” “Decent,” “Fence-Rider,” “Sinner,” and “Hellbound”? Why must I project the hatred I have of my own failures onto others? The truth is if God is willing to love all people and to forgive upon request (no matter how often), then so should I.
"God, help me to see people through Your eyes. When the Samsons in my life perform selfishly and arguably in evil ways, remind me of Your great mercy - not only for me, but also for the many undeserving 'Samsons' that are mentioned in Your book as friends!"
