Luke 12:1 Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.”
Jesus did not mince words here. Jesus actually warned his disciples, several times, about this sin. You know, a lot of people who knew me (a few years back) think I have toned it down too much, or perhaps I am even compromising, because I don’t make a strong stand about politics, or many other ISSUES I used to be very vocal about, as a Christian.
The reason is not compromise. It’s because I have asked God to PURGE the yeast of the Pharisee OUT of me. Pharisees are good at pointing fingers at other people (and their sin!).
I have had people point fingers at me, Saying “well you were divorced” (and quote scripture to tell me how I am now some permanent adulteress?) Yes, this has actually happened, from supposed GOD LOVING Christians!
I am filled with the Spirit of God, I have prayed for discernment, Love, Fruits of the Spirit (Daily) and let me tell you something, I can see their hypocrisy, as clear as day.
The bible says “Thou Shalt have No Other God’s before me” (warning of Idolatry), beginning with the 10 commandments, and later on in our New Testament it says, “my little children, keep yourselves from idols’.
Many who think they are so holier-than-thou, have idols in their lives, at one time or another. Whatever is put before God (at any time) Is an idol. Their children, their church, their job, their houses…………..
Their spouse, their finances, their SHOPPING ……..
At any moment if you have put something BEFORE GOD at that very moment, it is an idol. And if I read my bible as if it were some sword to stab you with, I would have to tell you I cannot even eat with you……..that you are going to be left out of God’s Kingdom!
This is the hypocrisy Jesus was talking about. The leaven that gets into the whole lump.
The reason so many stay out of church and say “I don’t go there, hypocrites go there” is because even the lost, who are wandering, looking for Jesus, can spot a hypocrite when they see one. As I minister to people, I have had many say “you are different, you are real”
It’s a compliment, one I Praise God for, (every day). no I’m not an idol…….(thank God) People are not flocking to me by the thousands, because I say what they want to hear.
Incidentally, many turned from Jesus, when he started to get down to business! He was left with 11………
I have counted the cost, I have made up my mind. I hate sin (Just as God does) But you know what? I’m not one to go around pointing fingers and screaming SINNER!
Because I too am a sinner…….saved by Grace.
Laura Grace, Author, minister, mom, wife, grandma …….and lover of God ………..
It grieves my heart…when I see self-righteous Christians parading around…..acting like they are “ALL THAT” ….did you forget who you were, before Jesus saved you?
Heavenly Father, In the name of Jesus I pray..if I have any areas of hypocrisy in my life PURGE IT FROM ME! Let me walk in and partake of the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth I pray! identify any idols in my life, help me cast them down….
I long to worship you…..and you alone Father God. Don’t even let me idolize anyone’s teachings or leadership……I belong to you…….
amen.
gracetogrowdaily 