POSERS

~Connect~
A rather pompous-looking deacon was endeavoring to impress upon a class of boys the importance of living the Christian life. “Why do people call me a Christian?” the man asked. After a moment’s pause, one youngster said, “Maybe it’s because they don’t know you.”

~Reflect~ Read: Matthew 23
Key Verse: Matthew 23:3

In this chapter we see Jesus speaking against hypocrisy to the disciples and the crowd around him. He tells them obey the teachers of the law and the Pharisees because they are your leaders but he tells them not to do as they do because they do not practice what they preach. Jesus refers to them as hypocrites 6 times aside from other things such as blind guides, blind fools, blind men, snakes and brood of vipers. All this shows us how much he detests hypocrisy and those who bear false witness to those around them. He continuously says “Woe to you teachers of the law and Pharisees” in other words he is saying you who deceive and lead my people astray you will only reap suffering and misery.

~Direct~
The illustration given in the beginning is a perfect example of a hypocritical “Christian”. Making themselves to be a “Christian” for all to see and to someone who doesn’t know the real him/her it is believable but God knows all things and nothing is hidden from him and in Daniel 2:22 it says: “He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him”. It doesn’t matter how well hidden you have your secret the one who knows all things will reveal it and he would use even someone you least expect. So listen to God’s calling, a call to live a life of justice, mercy and faithfulness. Stand for righteousness and truthfulness and live up to what really means to be a “Christian” a true follower of Christ.