By Rachel Loe, April 8, 2024

 The desire to be right is innate in us. Why is that? We are designed to desire just and correct outcomes because we are made in the image of our just and correct creator. God is perfectly just and righteous (Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 89:14; Psalm 18:30). St. Augustine recognizes this in his quote, “All truth is God’s truth.”. So what happens when our sinful nature corrupts that desire for righteousness and justice? It looks like arrogance and cruelty. 

This plays out in the workplace with ego trips and tyrannical bosses. So, what do we do when our ideas of right and just behavior play out in contrast to those in positions of authority over us? How do we, as believers, react when we know we are correct but the person making the decisions is not?

1. Recognize that all truth belongs to the Lord; when we are correct, it is because we align with His reality.
2. See if you can have a conversation in humility with your boss.
3. If they are open to a conversation, approach it with humility—ask questions about how they came to the conclusions they came to and do not arrogantly justify your correct theory.
4. If they change course, it is because they saw the truth and let it not build up pride that they were correct in their heart. 
5. If they do not, change course, know that we serve the Lord who is sovereign over all circumstances regardless of outcome. 

We want what WE BELIEVE to be right and just, which is our way. It is the oldest trap that Satan lays for us. We elevate ourselves to the status of judge and jury when things are not playing out how we believe they should. “You can be like God” (Genesis 3:4). This affects our relationships with those around us. Charles Spurgeon said, “If we empty our hearts of self, God will fill them with His love… Humility makes us ready to be blessed by the God of all grace and fits us to deal efficiently with our fellow man.” 

The desire for justice and righteousness is a good thing. It is good to strive to do things correctly and in the right order. As long as we recognize that we, of our own might, will fall short, and it is by the Holy Spirit’s communion within us that we see the truth at all! After all – “all good things come from the Lord” (James 1:17 paraphrased)