According to Wikipedia, the term “right” is not only a synonym for correctness, but also stands for authority and justice. Meanwhile, the term “left” is associated with words such as sinister, evil or unlucky.
“Left” is rarely used positively. When was the last time you encouraged someone with “left on!”? Has ‘Two Left Feet’ ever been a compliment? What about phrases like “left behind” or “leftover?”
Let’s see how “left” is used in the Bible…
In Matthew we learn:
“But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left.” Matthew 25:31-33
I read this & instantly think two things:
- Sure, the nice & cuddly sheep are on the right.
- Uh-oh, the goats are on the left (something tells me this isn’t going to end well…).
Continuing on…
“Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons.”…“And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.” Matthew 25:41, 46
Oh yeah, I was right. Ouch.
Throughout the Psalms, we see that the strong right hand of the Lord…
- supports me
- seizes all who hate you
- is filled with victory
- holds me securely
- is lifted high in glorious strength
- saves me
The place of honor is at God’s right hand. And where will the Son of Man be seated? On the left? No… Why He’ll be at God right hand of course! (Matthew 26:64)
So what gives? Does God frown on the left? What does that say for Democrats or left brainers or left handed people like me?
It seems evident that everything in this life, and beyond this life, is centered around ‘the right’. Maybe all this is telling me that I should make sure that Grady turns out right handed after all, unless I’m sure that he is going to be the next Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Lou Gehrig or Phil Mickelson (all lefties).
Vegetable Soup 