They Live Among Us!

Hello All!

Recently I was reminded that they live among us. Pharisees. "Christian Pharisees" to be specific.

Let me explain. Recently we had some folks stop by the church, all prim and proper. Dressed in nice clothes looking like they just stepped out of a photo of "Good church people - 1980's edition". Now, don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with dressing up for church. The problem is when it's only window dressing. Stay with me here. The Husband and Father happened to be speaking with one of our Elders when I walked in. Recognizing that we had visitors, I did what any Pastor would do - I went over to welcome them and introduce myself. Before I could introduce myself however, the man looked at me and said "Are you going golfing?" "Dressed like that?" He then went on to tell me that he and his family always wear their very best because God deserves our very best. That day, as I often do, I was dressed in a nice polo shirt and a new pair of jeans. Why? Because some in our area aren't fully comfortable in church and if the Pastor sets the tone as more towards casual, they relax. I have worn 3 piece suits often and what I found is that it puts many people on edge and makes them uncomfortable. If they're uncomfortable two things happen that are unfortunate. First, they're preoccupied with thinking about other things during the service and are often not able to hear what God has for them. Secondly, they are less likely to feel comfortable approaching me for counselling, fellowship or just to say hi. Hard to do ministry when they are running out the door!

The next unfortunate moments happened during Sunday School. First when the man started explaining how they "witnessed" to people in restaurants by praying correctly. After sharing that most don't do it correctly, he shared that they pray loudly, each child prays, his wife prays and then he finishes the prayer. No doubt with MANY words. Then as we responsively read the scriptures out of the NIV (some of our folks are more comfortable with it) , he loudly read from the KJV. Hey, if that is what speaks to you then by all means read from the KJV during your devotions and when following through the sermon. However, purposely reading another version seemingly for spite during Sunday School isn't Christ honoring.

The man is a self styled Evangelist who came hoping to schedule Revival services in the area (Calendar in hand). Instead he reminded us of the need to reevaluate ourselves to make sure that we are not doing more harm to the cause of Christ than the world is! Lest you think that it's just my opinion that these things were not being done in the Spirit of Christ:

“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full." MT 6:5 Don't make a scene to bring attention to yourself and think anyone is going to be so impressed that they will immediately come to Christ.

"The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector' "- LK18:11 If there was on Scripture that kept popping into my head that morning, this was it. Ok, you didn't appreciate how I was dressed. Not everyone is seeker friendly. I was just glad that if he had to disrespect someone, that it was me and not someone that finally was coming to church for the first time in years.

How did it all work out? Well, let's just say that when I got up on the platform to get ready, the look on the wife's face said she knew there was no need to stay afterwards and try to schedule Revival services.

Let me paraphrase our Lord and say this: God cares less about what you look like on the outside than who you are in the inside. If you ARE a Christian, then BE a Christian. Live a life of service to Him through service to others, reflecting Him in all that you DO AND SAY.

Heavenly Father, help me to show those around me the love and grace needed to reflect you in my words and attitudes. In Jesus Name, AMEN!