Aug 27, 2021

Right, Left, or Center

Right-Left-Center

“A wise man’s heart inclines him to the right, but a fool’s heart to the left.” Ecclesiastes 10:2 EVS

This wise teacher, believed to be King Solomon. reveals what he discovered about the meaninglessness of every human endeavor without God in the center of one’s life.

It has been said that the right side is the place of honor or strength, and the left is an inferior position or weakness. Many verses in the Bible seem to consider the “right side” to be good and proper, and the left to be weak or foolish. But how do you interpret that?

  • In Genesis 48:18 – And Joseph said to his father, “Not this way, my father; since this one is the firstborn, put your right hand on his head.”
  • Psalm 18:35 – You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand supported me, and your gentleness made me great.
  • Hebrews 12:2 – looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

In today’s worldview I consider myself a political right-leaning conservative, but I believe that the Biblical “right/left” metaphor is not political, as some might believe. Others might just want to be seen on the right (winning) side, as opposed to being left out. Or take for example being separated as sheep or as goat in Matthew 25:31-46

I like many of my fellow brothers and sisters see only two worldly kingdoms. Those who are in the eternal heavenly kingdom of Christ Jesus and those of an earthly worldview, who are without Him. In this duality of life described in many scripture parables – where one view points to God’s way, and the other does not. Here are but a few examples from the Gospels not pointing to the right or the left.:

So those leaning to the left or are left-handled, fear not!  God judges the intentions of our heart more than the works of our (right or left) hands. Even though the right hand is used in the Bible as a symbol of strength due to the right hand usually being stronger than the left. This should not be understood as a slight against left-handed people. So rather than right or left, let’s just strive to be in the center of God’s Will.

God’s Word says that above all, His will for us is our sanctification (1 Thess. 4). Thus, anything that works against our personal holiness is to be rejected.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6