Spring is here in the Lowcountry and tourists enjoy visiting historic Drayton Plantation on the Ashley River during these months of mild weather. It is a beautiful plantation that takes your senses back in time to experience colonial Charleston and the aristocratic life of William Henry Drayton. Walking tours of the plantation provide visitors with detailed information on Drayton’s 18th century life and lifestyle.

Many people have toured his historic home, but fewer have learned about the complexities of the man who once lived there on the river. Drayton, according to one historian, was a unique and paradoxical figure.

“Drayton’s personality is a rather engaging one, perhaps because, like so many of us, he is full of contradictions. He was completely devoted to a cause, but he was self-serving; he was courageous, but he declined a duel on what seems to be flimsy pretext; he was a magnetic orator, but a colleague complained that he spoke too long; he was learned, but ignorant. At times he showed evidence of penetrating thought; more often he was superficial. He was a conservative; he was a radical. He was an ardent royalist; he was a stout a patriot as any.”

Devoted, but yet self-serving? Courageous, yet willing to back down from a duel? Intellectual at times but also superficial? Undoubtedly, William Henry Drayton was a paradox.

Followers of Jesus Christ may be able to relate to this apparent contradiction. The Gospel tells us that we are sinners who deserve the punishment of God for our sins; yet Christ died for our sins and offers us forgiveness. As Martin Luther wrote, we are simul justus et peccator – at the same time righteous and yet a sinner.

Christians live in the paradox of knowing they are right before a holy God, and yet they are still sinners who daily fall short of God’s glory. The Gospel provides the framework for living in this paradox. Because our salvation is achieved by the death of Jesus Christ, we have confidence in God’s infinite mercy and grace. Consequently, God's work in our lives leads to humility and meekness because we know our righteousness is not found in ourselves, but is only found in Jesus Christ.