Do you know anyone that...
Goes out of their way to find something they can criticize? Is respected by all, except those who know them best? Goes ballistic over seemingly insignificant matters? Is very hurtful, but their life seems perfect? Has their heart in the completely wrong place? Will be right at the expense of being loving? Thinks you always owe them an explanation? You'd be afraid to rebuke when necessary? Holds to tradition closer than truth? Has never/rarely been scolded?
Do you know anyone that gets away with all this because it's their personality, their way, their role, their right, their position, their responsibility, etc.
I've been studying through the Gospel of Mark and these are the characteristics I've noticed about Pharisees. Know any? Ever been there yourself?
I wish we would start calling things the way they are, like Jesus did.
2 comments:
nice observations matt. sometimes i think it's better not to try to argue with a pharisee. inevitably the arguement will turn into an intellectual battle of the wits....and well, i think the non-pharisee will always lose because some things can only be understood through the eyes of belief, hope, and faith. so my rule of thumb is don't argue with pharisees, but work at continually choosing to love them. maybe the Spirit will get through to them eventually.
I agree Jo. 94% of the time it's best to ignore their complaints/statements and just continue to love them. But when they start to hinder ministry/vision or lead portions of a congregation astray, I think they need to be confronted.
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