Jesus is referred to as a lion and a lamb in the Bible. (Revelations 5:5-6) Often we play out either one role or the other. This week I had a chance to play both roles in one experience.

My wife’s car was hit in a hit-and-run accident. We took the car to a body shop. When we went to pick up the car we were disappointed that we didn’t see the results we were promised. We could have taken the car as it was, but I told the owner we were displeased and why. He was neither pleasant nor repentant but promised to try to take care of the things we pointed out.

When we returned the car looked much better, but the owner never admitted he initially failed to live up to his promise. I was frustrated that I had to be so involved to get what we were promised, but my wife reminded me to choose to be happy that we ultimately gained a nicely repaired car. So, I became a lamb, not further confronting the owner about the attitude and service problems we experienced.

Sometimes we have to be the lion and fight and exercise the authority God has given us to stand up for what’s right. And then there are times when we have to be meek because the only Godly thing we can do at that point and in that situation is to be cordial and peaceful.