HYPOCRITES!

HYPOCRITES!

Daily In The Word

May 2, 2021

 

Mark 7:6

 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.

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I can’t help but laugh every time I think how Jesus brutally addressed the Pharisees and the scribes as hypocrites. I can’t imagine how humiliating it was for them: hearing a ferocious word, coming from a very low profile (that's how they thought of Jesus) for people who thought so highly about themselves, who believed that they’re the most important folks in the society must be a heart-attacking and a mind-blowing moment for them. Maybe they were thinking “How dare you talking to us like that! You’re nothing but a son of a carpenter.” But no, they were not able to say that openly to Jesus; instead, they were put into silence. Maybe because they knew it’s true? I don’t know. But one thing I know for sure, only God has the power to keep the mouth of the lion shut.

 

I always believe that as a Christian, it is very important for me to speak the truth in love. Though some people put a label on my forehead as someone who is very strict, frank, and tough, but to be honest I am the most sensitive person when it comes to words and actions, even with facial expressions. In fact, I was once a paranoid, but by the grace of God, He made me an overcomer from that awful paranoia. To be confined in that self-built prison cell wasn’t easy, that’s why, as much as possible I don’t like anyone to be in that position. So, the struggle to be soft and to look approachable to everyone was real. A lot of times my facial expressions and the tone of my voice were misinterpreted. Until I came to the point of hating myself and asking God why He created me this way. But praise God for all His patience and understanding, when I thought of myself to be the worst creation ever, He whispered in my heart, “It’s not about how you look in the outside, what matters most is in the inside. I know who you are, and I see what’s in your heart.” What a relief!

 

Since I know how it is to be judged outwardly, little by little, I am also learning not to judge the appearance or the personality of others. In fact, I am learning to appreciate those who are strict, frank, and tough people. One of the most important lessons I learned in life is, if I want an honest answer to my question, among the four temperaments, I should choose to hear from a choleric, but if I just want to be sympathized, and have others embrace my immaturity, then it’s the other way around.

 

The truth is, no temperament is perfect. When you choose to be silent, the more you hide the truth, but when you choose to be truthful, the more you become offensive. So, what should we do now? Very simple, let’s go back to Jesus, let us use the Word of God as our absolute guide, if there’s a need for us to be silent, be silent for God, if there’s a need for us to speak up, speak up for God. Truth hurts, but it could heal a rotten attitude. It’s not about how sweet or soft we are; it’s all about our sincerity and honesty when we say and do things. Our heart should be in it.

 

 

 

 

LET’S PRAY!

 

Dear God,

 

How amazing it is to realize that it’s okay to be frank for as long as there is truth in it. Thank You dear God, for the life of Jesus. Thank You for Your Holy Word. Forgive us dear Lord for the times that we complained about our personality. Forgive us dear God for being so ungrateful about who we are. Dear Jesus, please remind us from time to time that our value does not depend on how others view us, but it’s how You created us for a certain purpose. Help us to appreciate You by accepting and loving ourselves. Help us Lord, not to judge the appearance of others according to our own standard, but according to who they are in You. Please give us Your grace to be honest and sincere at all times. Give us the courage to tell the truth if we must, and take full control of our emotions if there's a need for us to shut up. These things we ask and pray in Jesus name. Amen!