The letter was written out of agitated emotions. Not only did I presume that I was right, I had backed my written argument with scriptures. Good ones! The kind that were intended to convict the obvious opponent.

Using God’s Word, I presumed, was surely the way to gain His approval. After all, an injustice had been done against my hubby. It was a public disgrace, and among the coup sat two Christians whom I had previously admired for their godly character. Self-justification led me to believe that I was right in calling attention to their stance against him.

His guilt? Standing up for what was biblically right. Refusing to come against a man in position who was merely doing his job, and doing it in the way for which he had been hired. The small coup of people did not like that at all. So they removed him from his post.

My selected words seared the paper as I typed passionately in defense of my husband. Waiting for him to come home from work, I rested my final copy on the desk–for his approval before mailing.

“A common symptom of spiritual pride is sincere decision-making without consulting God.” [Bob Sorge]

He read my letter. He agreed with my opinion. Yet, he said, wisely: “It’s correct in content, but wrong in spirit.” Peace came, and the letter became confetti.

Though this challenge was decades ago, I will not forget the lesson. The idiom is true: Two wrongs do not make a right. Romans 12:2 reads: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”