Public Face – Private Face

20170603_164929-1 (2)Yesterday afternoon, I attend a surprise retirement party for Rudy Zitti, who has served a number of years as the State Director for American’s for Prosperity. Rudy lives in my neighborhood and has been a long time political activist in Colorado.

This morning it was delight to speak at Eagle Bend Community Church. I appreciate my aunt, Paula Baer for facilitating this, and the gracious reception of Pastor Bruce and Betty Minor and the entire congregation. It was special to have several family members and friends attend this service. This church was praying for me during my health crisis, so it was a connection of special significance. My message can be found on their website

https://www.eaglebendcc.org/

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “…when so many thousands of the people had gathered together that they were trampling one another, he began to say to his disciples first, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” Luke 12:1 ESV

It is interesting how the concept of hypocrisy has become identified with “religion” or simply going to church. If there is one generalization people tend to make of those who are faithful to Christ, it is this “accusation.” What is of interest is that Jesus was the one who used this term to describe some of the “religious” elite of His day, the Scribes and Pharisees.

The irony I would observe is that Jesus used the term for those who were right in their own eyes and refused to acknowledge and follow His Words. Today it is used to disparage those who acknowledge Jesus and desire to follow His Word and His ways, by those who are righteous in their own eyes.

To His disciples, Jesus said hypocrisy is the “leaven of the Pharisees.” That is an interesting metaphor. Because leaven is yeast. It is that small ingredient in dough, that causes it to swell in the process of making bread. It only takes a very small amount to have a big impact.

That is what happens with hypocrisy or duplicity in life. Compromise begins in small areas, but it seems to never remain small. It tends to grow and have a disproportionate impact on our lives.

But notice the context in which Jesus speaks these words. In the previous chapter we read of Jesus sending out His disciples. They return joyful over miracles and demons that were subject to them. And then we read, of thousands of people gathering to see Jesus and His disciples. It is at this point, Jesus turns to His disciples and warns them of the “leaven of the Pharisees.”

Why is this? It is because the Pharisees had the admiration and respect of the masses. They used their position and status to tell others how to live, but they exempted themselves from the same “laws.” I believe Jesus wanted His disciples to know that regardless of how “popular” they were and how great a following they gathered, they were still under obligation to obey and seek the Lord and not to call others to a standard of righteous that they were not willing to follow themselves. In other words, they were to live by example.

Politically, the concept of a “citizen’s legislature” is built on the concept that those who make the laws, spend the majority of their time living under the laws they make. Conversely, the greatest criticism directed toward national politicians (whether it is true or not) is they make laws for others, but exempt themselves from those laws. That is what the Pharisees did.

One another occasion Jesus told His disciples of the Pharisees teaching, “…do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice.” (Matthew 23:3 ESV)

The challenge for leaders and those who desire to make an impact on others is the “lead by example.” Be on guard and don’t be one person in public and another in private. Remember that the downward path of compromise begins small but it soon grows to greater proportions than you ever anticipate or intend.

Prayer for today…. Lord, “keep us true” to You and to ourselves. Allow us to be on guard against duplicity in our lives and to keep our hearts open and humble before You and others.