Are you wondering what “The Search to Justify” means in today’s
title? Well, let me explain.
Sometimes a person who resists making a change that they know “deep
down inside” is the “right thing to do” seeks “advice” from someone they
know will encourage the status quo and sabotage any change.
Here’s an example: Let’s say that a hunter is having second thoughts
about killing for fun, but doesn’t really feel like giving it up. After
all, it takes guts to say “no” to his/her hunting friends and family
members – you know – social pressure. So, who does he/she ask for advice
concerning this dilemma? His/her pastor who also happens to be an
enthusiastic hunter. What do you suppose the pastor’s advice will be?
Another example that may sound familiar: Someone hears about the
health benefits of changing their eating habits and “going veg.” They
come back with something like: I knew someone who ate anything and
smoked. They lived to a ripe old age.
These people are resisting the changes that they know that they
should make. One of the ways they do this is by searching out those who
will help to justify their accustomed habits. Sometimes a person who
knows that it’s time to change becomes hostile and fights the positive
change that their conscience tells them is inevitable. “They protest too
much” as the saying goes.
This brings to mind the Bible passage in Revelation 3:14-16:
14 "And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the
faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says
this:
15 'I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I would
that you were cold or hot.
16 'So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will
spit you out of My mouth.'
~ New American Standard Bible
Those who are “lukewarm” (complacent) aren’t likely to take a step up
the ladder of positive change; but those who are “hot” or “cold” are
more likely to take that step.
