A Hazzard-ous Mindset

Growing Daily

When I was a kid, The Dukes of Hazzard was must-see TV. Every Friday night, Bo and Luke Duke roared through the countryside behind the wheel of the General Lee, launching over creeks, dodging roadblocks, and somehow always outsmarting Boss Hogg and Sheriff Rosco.

We all rooted for them, even though, let’s be honest, they were almost constantly breaking the law.

They had their own good reasons, of course. The police force was greedy and corrupt. The Dukes were just two "good ol' boys" trying to help others and make things "right." But as noble as their reasons seemed, their story raises a good question:

What happens when our motives are good, but our methods are wrong?

In John 18:10-11, Peter did what seemed right in the moment. As Jesus was being unjustly arrested, Peter drew his sword and fought back. His goal was admirable: to protect the Son of God. But Jesus immediately told him, “Put your sword back in its sheath.” Peter's heart was in the right place, but that didn't justify the wrong approach.

Today, don't let a worthy cause become an excuse to cut corners. Before we hit the gas on a questionable choice, we should ask ourselves: Would this still please God without any justification?

God isn't just interested in where we mean to go — He's watching how we get there (Colossians 3:17).

- Ron Reid