Lists

January 29, 2007

By William E. Richardson

“[Love] keeps no record of being wronged” (1 Corinthians 13:5, NLT).

The day you began school, your name appeared on a teacher’s list. In taking attendance at the start of each class day, she or he may have called your name. In school, it’s OK to be on a teacher’s list, but not good to be on the principal’s list.

Whenever you travel by plane, train or ship, your name appears on a passengers list, known as a manifest. It’s evident from that list who should be on board for the trip. However, when you reach your destination, you don’t want to learn that your name is on a police list.

Having your name on some lists is a good thing. To appear on other lists is undesirable.

What lists do you keep? You may keep to-do lists, but do you also keep a who’s-who list? I mean a mental list of those who’ve hurt or upset you.

The disciple Peter asked Jesus once about those on his own list. He wanted to know how often he should forgive a person who offended him.

The religious leaders of that day limited the number to three times for the same offense. Peter suggested forgiving one person up to seven times. After that, you draw the line and add him to your list.

Jesus’ answer surprised Peter. Jesus said to forgive up to seventy times seven. Peter understood. He knew Jesus didn’t mean to keep track until you reach 490 times. Jesus meant to not keep track. To not keep lists. Instead, to forgive.

Also to discourage list-keeping, Jesus said in Matthew 6:15, “But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (NIV). That’s a reason to discard lists!

The list God’s most concerned with is one that includes the names of those in good standing with Him. Those He’s forgiven. It’s called the Book of Life.

When it comes to keeping lists, let’s imitate God. Let’s forgive. Let’s keep track of whom we want to bless. Any lesser list is a nonproductive waste of time.

Someday, instead of a grade school teacher, it will be God who calls your name. You’ll be glad on that day you shredded your old mental list for a new one. You’ll be glad you can say “Here!” with a clear conscience toward God and others.

William E. Richardson is senior pastor of Afton (Iowa) Assembly of God.