Revised version: 

 Was our zeal according to knowledge?
  


Photo Source: KAUFMAN COUNTY, TEXAS JAIL/CBS NEWS

For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. Romans 10:2 KJV

Consider the following statement:

In his letter to the Romans, the apostle Paul speaks of his Jewish brothers as possessing a zeal that was not according to knowledge.  Zeal not according to knowledge may be a thing of danger as well as weakness. It prompts a man to move, but often in the wrong direction. It results in tearing down rather than building up, and frequently causes a man to do the work of the enemy rather than of God. 

Has this been the case with certain actions regarding the tragic death of Botham Jean? Did our zeal for justice take place at the right time? Did our zeal for justice prompt us to move, but in the wrong direction? 

For example, was  it the right time to say the shooting of Botham Jean was an act of racism when we didn't know yet if race played a factor in his death? Was it the right time to call the police officer a "white devil" when there was no evidence  she shot him based on his skin  color? Was it the right time to request the firing of the police officer when she hadn't  been found guilty yet of a crime? Was it the right time to request the resignation of the city's police chief when she wanted to first determine if her employee was guilty?

Let it be remembered that a diligent, honest, persistent inquiry for, and insistence upon truth constitutes one of the most proper and urgent activities of the true child of God. Our zealousness for justice in the death of another African-American young man was right and  necessary as citizens and children of God,  but before we are prompted to make another move or say another word about this case, may we be diligent in learning the truth  regarding the events that led to the shooting and death of Botham Jean. For that's the best way to ensure we operate not only with a zeal for justice, but according to knowledge.

Sharing my perspective,

Jeaninne 

Source: Words in  italics are excerpted  from the following article:


Jeaninne Stokes is a Christian author, speaker, educator and Bible-teacher, and writes biblically-based poetry, devotions and teaching articles to inspire and equip  her readers as they seek to live a life of faith in every arena of their lives. She also offers seminars and author coaching to help aspiring writers desiring to write for Christian publication. To learn more about her and to join her mailing list, visit her at www.JStokeswritingministries.com
  


Copyright 2014  Jeaninne Johnson Stokes.  All rights reserved.