I had to spend some time at the DMV, recently. I have found arriving 30 minutes before it opens to be the best use of my time. I stood by the front door, reading and watching the social dynamic of those who were there and others who were arriving.
I tried to encourage a few who were standing on the opposite side of the door from where the majority of us were, to come over to our side and preserve their place in the pecking order. They were not interested.
Later another man tried the same thing only to be insulted and berated by a woman who thought it was none of his business where she stood.
When the door opened one of the men who was standing on the other side of the door, and arrived AFTER me, managed to get in front of me as we entered. I politely excused myself and moved in front of him.
I was Number 3. I got my ticket and sat down to wait. It was then I noticed my ticket number was 4. Someone ahead of me had taken two tickets.
I watched. And ticket number 3 was a young woman who arrived at the last minute and stood on the other side of the door talking to one of the young men who were ahead of me.
Aha! Someone cheated! A distinct violation of the Social Contract.
What does this say about the human heart? More importantly, what does it say about our society? There was a time when people didn't do such things. I was in line first!
The Bible teaches us that God has revealed Himself to every human heart (Rom. 1:20). That revelation brings with it the idea of fairness. Young children understand when things are not fair, without ever being taught.
I've watched children waiting for School Buses set their lunch box or back pack down in front of where the Bus will stop and then go play. When the Bus arrives they run back to their "spot," preserving their place in line.
In classrooms, children will choose a seat and then go hang up their coat. Coming back to find someone in their seat they will protest: "But I was here first!"
It's the nature of human beings to be aware of what's fair....and what's not! And what I experienced was NOT.
I confronted the young man with his "sin." It turned out he was from a different country. Perhaps he just didn't know the rules. His smile indicated something else. He didn't care! The Bible says he is "without excuse."
Just another indication of selfishness and personal pride. It's also an indication of how our society is being coarsened as the days grow short before the coming of Christ.
