Daily Reflections on Esther 2:19-23 (Back Stabbing)

Ever been stabbed in the back by people you trusted? Not a great feeling. I've lamented with pastoral friends and others about the amount of time and energy invested with people caring for them, comforting them only to have them turn against you and make your life a living hell. Unfortunately, it happens a lot in ministry.

But it happens a lot in life. When I was in youth ministry, it seemed like I dealt with one teen girl stabbing another teen girl in the back on a daily basis. I learned that there is actually an art to back stabbing another teen girl. What's funny is that the stabber always thinks the stabbee had it coming, so there's no remorse.

Back stabbing isn't just a teenage girl phase. It's a part of life in a selfish culture. It's a form of vengeance. We've declared ourselves judge, jury, and executioner. We don't get mad, we get even or worse. It's a form of getting ahead or placing ourselves in a more enviable position with peers, co-workers, or bosses. But it is still selfishness, doing whatever to get what we want.

But what if you're not the stabber or the stabbee, but you know the stabbing is about to take place? That's the position Esther was in as you read this passage. What do you do? You could sit back and watch the deed played out just staying out of it. You could confront the potential stabber which could draw a flesh wound and make you an enemy. You could warn the potential stabbee it was coming and risk ostracization by everyone. Tough spot.

If you knew it was coming, I'd want to know. If I could stop a blood bath, I'd try. If I was about to hurt someone in a surprise attack, I would want someone to stop me. Back stabbing is a nasty sport that ruins lives, friendships, and reputations.

It has to stop among God's people. It's embarrassing to the church and Christianity. It's destroying churches, people, and hurting the cause of Christ. The Bible says to mark those who cause division. Back stabbers are division causers and should be treated as such. Cancer is not allowed to stay in the body. It's either cut out or irradiated. Not pleasant, but necessary for the body to survive.

God, like Esther, I want be on the King's side. I want to do whatever benefits your Kingdom. I want to protect the King and His Kingdom. Give me wisdom and boldness and grace when I need it to stand up for you.