Being Vetted

While I think it is very important for us to walk honorably and justly, doing what is right in our personal and professional lives, sometimes we fall short. Sometimes we are not all that we should be.

It would be best if we judge ourselves so that others will not judge us. But often times we do not. It also seems best that we not stand as judges of others, vetting others when we too have fallen short.

Consider John 8:1-11.

1 But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.
2 Now early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came to Him; and He sat down and taught them.
3 Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst,
4 they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act.
5 Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?”
6 This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear.
7 So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.”
8 And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground.
9 Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
10 When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?”
11 She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”

Forgiveness and redemption are essential, a part from the law. It is not that Jesus was advocating adultery, he even told this woman to "go and sin no more." He appears to have been mainly addressing the self-righteousness of men when looking upon the shortcomings of others, never considering their very own.

Vetting in many cases is necessary. (Choosing a president and vice-president would count as necessary.) But it is always important to consider ourselves in the process in non-critical personal issues, perhaps in political ones too. The picture will be fairer. It is always important to determine our motive for vetting and not to disgrace another. Motives are revealed in words and context.

When vetting others consider yourself and your loved ones. The context will undoubtedly change. Compassion will be your guide.