“In case of fire, use stairs.”
These words are inscribed on the wall at the Cannon Beach Conference Center. I know the sign is required by code, and the advice is perfectly reasonable. But something about it struck me as problematic.
The problem, probably only for my literal brain and unregulated attention, is that this sign is on the first floor.
I imagined my younger self seeing that sign in the midst of a fire and, instead of turning around and walking out the door, darting up the stairs in obedience to the sign.
While that scenario may seem far-fetched, I wonder how easily we slip into that same kind of thinking when reading and applying Scripture. We can become so focused on following what the words say that we lose sight of what they’re meant to accomplish.
We see this in the Pharisees and Sadducees throughout the Gospels, each in their own ways. And we can spot it in others easily enough, especially when their literal reading of a passage bumps up against our own.
But am I as willing to examine my own convictions with an eye toward the first-floor stairs? Am I willing to ask not only whether I’ve understood something correctly, but whether I’m applying it wisely? To the right people, in the right circumstances, at the right time?
In Matthew 5, Jesus makes it clear that He hasn’t come to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it. Then, repeatedly, He begins with “You have heard…” and follows with “But I tell you…” (verses 21, 27, 31, 33, 38, and 43).
Jesus isn’t dismissing the Law. He’s drawing our attention to its deeper intent, challenging the ways it had been reduced, misunderstood, or misapplied.
The Law says good things. But even good things, used poorly, in the wrong circumstances, with the wrong people, or at the wrong time, can do great harm. They can spark arguments, division, and fear. They can spoil relationships and undermine the very calling they were meant to serve.
The sign isn’t wrong. The stairs really are the right way out of a burning building when you’re on an upper floor. But following the instruction without considering where you’re standing could lead you straight into danger.
So read the sign. Take it seriously. But prayerfully consider where you’re standing before you run upstairs in a fire.