A Lesson from Javert

I finally made it to the movie theater to see the most recent version of "Les Miserables." Most readers will know it is based on the stage musical of the same name which is based on a book by Victor Hugo. For those who are not fans of singing dialogue, I would recommend the book. (The 1998 non-musical movie with Liam Neeson and Geoffrey Rush was pretty good, too, and far less of a time commitment than reading the book.) Regardless of the presentation format, I recommend the story.

In it there are dozens of messages relevant to a Christian worldview, including the importance of charity, repentance, honor and forgiveness. While there are many wonderful characters in the story, one who has always stood out to me is the tragic antagonist, police inspector Javert.

During the course of many years, Javert relentlessly pursues a man named Jean Valjean over matters related to Valjean's initial crime of stealing bread for his nephew who is starving. Javert seeks justice which is blind. He makes no provision for repentance or forgiveness. He has no shred of compassion. In his mind, even the most minor offense must be punished to the fullest extent. In the name of God, he is cruel and merciless. In the end, nearly unexplainable mercy is extended to him by Valjean who should have every reason the hate him and see him dead. Javert convinces himself he cannot live in a world where there is such unconditional forgiveness.

For those who have a relationship with Jesus it should never be forgotten that such a relationship is based on grace and forgiveness of our transgressions. We must always extend that same grace and forgiveness to everyone we meet. For many, it seems everywhere they look all they see are sinners, people who are not on the right path, people who need to be reformed. And not only that, the Javerts of the world feel it is their job to point out the mistakes of others, to humiliate them and punish them for their alleged wrongdoing.

Such a view is not healthy, as Javert discovers. His life contains no joy, he is consumed with rage. When one's view of God becomes so narrow all that can be seen is how wrong everyone else is, the point of the teachings of Jesus is missed. Judgment is not our job. Anger at injustice can change the world for the better. However, constant anger at those around us destroys the best we have to offer. Let us all be consumed with mercy, not bitterness.