Failing at Ethics can be good if . . .

Teddy Roosevelt is known for the quote, "Failure is the backdoor to success."  I'm fond of such quotes – perhaps due to the fact that I'm pretty good at failing . . . and sometimes just as good at finding the silver lining through failure.  One of my "crash-and-burn" experiences led to one of those rare, unexpected blessings. 

After "hitting the wall" and not completing a paper in what should have been my last MA course at Fuller Theological Seminary ("Ethics of Bonhoeffer" - I'm really sorry Dr. Stassen), in order to make up for the failed credits I took "Advocacy for Social Justice."  

This was providential, as it challenged me to consider more deeply the sociological, historical, and political conditions in which the Church—and our ministry—must be the visible expression of God to the world.  It painted a picture of the manner in which our incarnational ministry should appear – as we provide both justice and salvation – intertwined in a way that they cannot be separated; one is dependent on the other.

So, although failing one of my favorite courses still stings almost two years later, I have realized once more that God can indeed make all things work to the good.

It’s true: Failure is the back door to success . . .