A pharisee is hard on others, and easy on himself,but a spiritual man is easy on others, and hard on himself.”by A.W.Tozer: The name Pharisee in its Hebrew form means separatists, or the separated ones. They were also known as chasidim, which means loyal to God, or loved of God - extremely ironic in view of the fact that by His time, they made themselves the most bitter, and deadly, opponents of Jesus Christ and His message.
The Pharisees perhaps meant to obey God, but eventually they became so devoted and extremist in very limited parts of The Law (plus all that they themselves added to it), that they became blind to The Messiah when He was in their very midst. They saw His miracles, they heard His Words, but instead of receiving it with joy, they did all that they could to stop Him - eventually to the point of getting Him killed because He truthfully claimed to be the Son of God.
Jesus Christ had strong words about the Pharisees, and what awaits some of them:
"For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:20). My friends, unfortunately, in the world today, there are so many Christians acting like pharisees. They think they are the truly chosen ones, loved by God more than others are. They think they are in a much better spiritual place than others. They are quick to condemn you for what they deem as wrong, but never see any wrong in their own life. It breaks my heart to know that I have been very hurt by several Christians, because I did not meet their standards. Their actions caused me and my husband to leave church. Is that the Christian way, is it right? No, God is the only perfect, unblemished One. God loves us all, as if there was only one of us. We need to check out the plank in our own eyes, before sending someone away for the speck in their eyes. Be careful Christians, and remember, Christian stands for Christ within me. Never forget Who you represent, show love, not condemnation.
The Pharisees perhaps meant to obey God, but eventually they became so devoted and extremist in very limited parts of The Law (plus all that they themselves added to it), that they became blind to The Messiah when He was in their very midst. They saw His miracles, they heard His Words, but instead of receiving it with joy, they did all that they could to stop Him - eventually to the point of getting Him killed because He truthfully claimed to be the Son of God.
Jesus Christ had strong words about the Pharisees, and what awaits some of them:
"For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:20). My friends, unfortunately, in the world today, there are so many Christians acting like pharisees. They think they are the truly chosen ones, loved by God more than others are. They think they are in a much better spiritual place than others. They are quick to condemn you for what they deem as wrong, but never see any wrong in their own life. It breaks my heart to know that I have been very hurt by several Christians, because I did not meet their standards. Their actions caused me and my husband to leave church. Is that the Christian way, is it right? No, God is the only perfect, unblemished One. God loves us all, as if there was only one of us. We need to check out the plank in our own eyes, before sending someone away for the speck in their eyes. Be careful Christians, and remember, Christian stands for Christ within me. Never forget Who you represent, show love, not condemnation.
16 comments:
This is inspirational. And as I watch TV and movies these days, it seems even that this belief is coming through to actually call it entertainment. It's sad. Very sad.
You have been very busy posting while I was gone. :)
This is a post I really understand...either as the object of the attention of the Pharisee or the Pharisee myself.
I pray God brings you to a group of God lovers so that your wounds will be healed.Then maybe God can us your wounds for His glory. A tender heart is all He needs.
Did you find a place to go Sunday?
Denise,
It saddens me to think that anyone could hurt you. It makes me joyous to know the Father has once again guided you to a new home where you will be strengthened in His Word.
((hugs)) & blessings to you today!
Thank you for sharing Denise. Beautifully said, as always.
Amen! Amen! Amen!
It may have been a slighlty different "take" on Tozer, but you and I are on the same page. I am so sorry that Pharisees have caused you to leave churches. Beleive me, it happens more than we want to know or admit. Many pastors too leave because of the Pharisees filling the pews in churches today.
Stay discering... Stay true to HIs Word!
Happy IOW Tuesday!
It's sad to think we have gone so far away from taking care of the plank in our own lives. Your story is far to familiar and frequently repeated. We need to get back on track with where Christ would want us to be. His picture of what a Christian is or should be not the one we make up ourselves. Thanks for your inspirational post today.
Thank you for sharing, I enjoyed reading your thoughts... but I'm seeing spots (or hearts rather). :) (My eyes aren't awake yet! ha!)
Unfortunately many Christians are hurt by other Christians. :( The important thing is to turn your eyes upon Jesus and away from man. Choose to please Him and try (I know it's hard), not to worry about man's opinions. If God is pleased, that's all that matters.
{{Denise}}
If we could only grasp our own sinfulness we would not have any pride left to lift our eyes upon another and point a finger. We would remain humbly bowed before our Lord in proper worship and gratitude for His mercy and grace.
Amen and Amen and Amen!
Great words, Denise!
Not all are that way, but don't let them get in your way!!!!
Love,
Cheryl
Denise, I loved loved loved this post! We must be on guard against the yeast of the Pharisee's, as Jesus said, and be careful not to become one ourselves. We must be filled with the love of Christ and let it seep over into others in our lives. Awesome post!
Great post my friend. Love you.
Denise, great post. I'm sorry you've been hurt by other Christians. It is the saddest thing about being in church...sometimes we kick our wounded and are quick to judge those not exactly like us. Thankfully, God sees us through the image of His Son and we are beautiful to Him.
Blessings for your day, Sister.
Very powerful, Denise. I can only say amen to your words.
It is oh so true that some Christians in today's world resemble the Pharisees of old. Very sad indeed. I am sorry that you were hurt by Christians too...
Thank you so much for sharing this great words.
Blessings to you and yours.
Something for you at my house...((hugs))
So true, my friend. You have such a true heart for Christ, I love you!
Thanks for another good IOW post! It's tough remembering that we represent Christ some times, but the point is we need to remember just that - no matter what's going on around us or what others are doing. Thanks for the reminder.
AVA <><
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