Accusations

The Army requires every company to conduct what is called a Command Climate Survey.  The purpose of this survey is to let leaders know the health of their organization by giving soldiers the opportunity to anonymously write positive or negative observations about a wide range of issues within their unit. In the headquarters company for the division I commanded, several people wrote that I had favorites. The inference was that I spent a disproportionate amount of time with certain people—some of whom were directly named.  The criticism was petty and, probably fueled to some extent by jealousy, but I could not ignore it or it would just continue to fester and cause deeper problems.  

It seemed that the best course of action for addressing survey concerns was to hold a town meeting with as many of the soldiers and civilian employees assembled as possible.  I explained that I did have favorites with respect that I gave more time to some people than to others. This was true because some soldiers were entrusted with greater responsibility requiring more interaction with me for decision-making and counsel.  From the feedback I received, the town meeting was helpful.  But that did not put an end to the making of accusations.
      
Meditation
Numbers 16:3—They came together against Moses and Aaron and told them, “You have gone too far!  Everyone in the entire community is holy, and the LORD is among them.  Why then do you exalt yourselves above the LORD’s assembly?” 
 
According to Scripture, Moses was the most humble man on the planet (12:3). Yet, among his countrymen, Korah, Dothan and Abiram resented the fact that he and Aaron were in charge.  They took 250 prominent leaders of the community and rebelled against them griping that they were just as important. As soon as they were finished complaining, Moses fell facedown—an act of contrition before God, because he knew that these men were sinning and would incur God’s wrath (vs. 11).  When God later told Moses to separate from the rebels “so I may consume them instantly,” Moses again fell facedown and said, “God, God of the spirits of all flesh, when one man sins, will You vent Your wrath on the whole community?” (vs. 22).  

Beware of making accusations. Before you question someone and indict them for wrongdoing, be sure your heart is pure before the Lord. Korah’s rebellion was based on jealousy and anger and, though spoken against Moses, was really aimed at God. Korah and his conspirators were tired of traipsing across the desert, eating the same food, struggling to find water, and having to comply with God’s laws. He observed their evil hearts and punished all of them by fire and by the ground opening up and consuming them (vss. 31-35).  

False accusations are like poison—they contaminate everything they touch and create pain and suffering.  God does not approve of this kind of conduct, nor should we.  
 
Inspiration
When one person makes an accusation, check to be sure he himself is not the guilty one.  Sometimes it is those whose case is weak who make the most clamour.--Piers Anthony
 
©2016 Daniel York  ARR. Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you would like to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.      
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)