Praising God For Inconveniences

About a week ago while heading to work, the "tire pressure monitoring sensor" light in our van went on, indicating one of my tires was deflating a bit. While I knew it would make me late for work, I quick pulled into the gas station to check the pressure in all the tires. And wouldn't you know this was the day I chose to wear all white, and in a long skirt, no less. So here I am, on the ground, in 100-degree weather, dressed in white, hands covered in grease as I removed hubcaps, checked tire pressure and added air to the inner door specification of 36 pounds per square inch (PSI). I noticed it was the back right tire that had sunk low to 31 PSI. And of course, it was the last of the four tires I checked. But once done, I climbed back in the car, turned the ignition and saw the light was still on. I had remembered when we bought the tires last fall that there were all set at 40 PSI, which I thought was high, but wondered if all the tires should be at 40 instead of 36. So I went back out and filled them all to 40. But I had this feeling that was probably too high. When I couldn't get a hold of my Dad, I called my friend and former neighbor, Jennifer, who owns a auto repair place, for her advice while driving to work. She informed me that the tires should be at 36, so I told her I would deflate them a bit once I got to work. However, knowing that tires should be checked when their cold, I decided to wait until I was done for work for the day.

After work, I went back out to check the tires and get them all to 36 from 40, when I noticed the back right tire was yet again down to 31. I knew that meant something was wrong with the tire. So for the third time I was removing hubcaps and adding air in my all-white ensemble. On the way home, I called Jennifer to see if she could check the tire. She said to bring it right in. Sure enough there was a screw in the tire. A few minutes later, the tire was patched up (at no charge by my sweet friend), and I was headed home.

Here's the thing. On the way to work, I was annoyed that I had to stop. I was bummed I chose to wear a white skirt. I was frustrated the low-inflation light came on in the first place and then wouldn't go off when I thought I had the PSI correct. Then to have to check the tire pressure again, deflate and refill. Arrrggg, it was a pile of inconveniences.

But let me tell you, I praised my Father in heaven for every single one of them. I thanked Him that the light went on, or I would have been stuck on the shoulder of the interstate waiting for a tow. I thanked Him that the light stayed on even when I thought I had the correct PSI. I thanked Him that I over inflated them and that I thought to call Jennifer for advice. I thanked Him that the tire deflated so quickly that I had to re-inflate a second time. Because of all of those inconveniences which truly gnawed at me, I was protected from far worse circumstances.

It gave me perspective. I thought about the many times over the years I have complained about this or that inconvenience in my life. But how many times have those inconveniences actually been a forewarning or protection of some kind? It had made me stop and think a bit before I complain that perhaps God is trying to get my attention focused on something else or covering me with His protection. How I love Him!

I believe those inconveniences are why Paul wrote, "Be thankful in all circumstances." 1 Thess. 5:18 You just don't know how those circumstances are working for your benefit, even if they feel like hindrances at the time.

My husband left for work about five minutes ago, and he just walked back in the door with a shout, "I forgot my phone!" He grabbed his phone and headed back out the door to his car. I ran out to him and said, "Whoa, how about another kiss before you leave?" I have no idea why in the grand scheme of this life journey that he left his phone here at home. Perhaps God was protecting him from something he would have experienced had he not had to turn around. But if I get an extra kiss out of it ... it's worth the inconvenience. Praising God for that, too.

Gently Restore

This morning I listened to Romans chapters 1-4 as I was getting ready to start my day. I am finding much enjoyment and new incites into the Word while listening to it. And something really struck me as I listened today.

I had just heard Paul talk about this list of "godlessness and wickedness" where God's wrath will one day come into play come judgment time. Things like greed, envy, murder, deceit, arrogance, disobedience, slander and shameful lusts among others. Just after Paul shares this in chapter 1, he comments in chapter 2 that we should not pass judgment on someone else when we're doing the same things.  I heard myself ask out loud, "So are we not to judge or are we not to sin?" I almost choked on the words as they came out. That was it. Paul was telling us not to sin.

See in the world today, I so often hear people comment "Judge not lest ye be judged." They quote this from Jesus' Sermon On The Mount where Christ talked about judging in Matthew 7:1-5. And I often remind people that judging is about eternal destiny, not correction for behavior. The Lord expects us to correct one another, especially using Scripture to do so. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." We are absolutely to tell our brothers and sisters when they're behavior is not in line with the Word by using the Word. Even Jesus comments in Matthew 7:5 "You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." According to the Savior, we absolutely can correct ... if we have repented, if we have cleaned house, if we are obedient to our Lord. Want to call someone out on their sin? They you better do some soul checking to make sure you don't have something you need to repent of first.

It doesn't mean, however that we should never correct our brothers and sisters when they sin. Good gracious, based on our track record with sin, there would be no morality in this world without that correction. God would give us over to our "sinful desires" as explained in Romans 1. We need to be held accountable to the Word our Father as given us. Paul explains, "The righteous will live by faith" (Romans 1:17) and our faith is based on the Word given us.

If we are to look at Christ as our example, look at his behavior with the woman caught in adultery. He asks her who has condemned her. When she replies, "No one, Lord," he says, "Neither do I condemn you. Now go and sin no more" (John 8:11). She's not being judged to eternal damnation ... she's being forgiven and told to never do it again. Do you see the difference?

We are not to turn a blind eye to our brother and sister's sin. We are to correct gently. Galatians 6:1 says, "Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently." 

Next time you hear someone quote, "Judge not lest ye be judged" examine your hearts for conviction of sin to be sure, but remind gently that we are most certainly to correct. And be careful that is the intent and not condemnation. When correcting those who sin, we're not be be hurtful or shaming. We are to gently restore them based on the Word God gave us. Too many point fingers, badmouth and criticize rather than have the intent to draw that soul into a faithful, obedient relationship with our Lord.

What is the goal of correction? It's repentance and restoration. But first, be sure you are obedient yourself.

Eternal Devotion and Servitude

While ironing today I was watching the movie Matrix Reloaded. In one scene a young man is running towards the main character, Neo, played by Keanu Reeves. Neo appears annoyed by the young man approaching and another character comments to him, "You know what they say happens when you save a life," implying this kid will show eternal devotion and servitude to Neo. Sure enough, this young man offers to carry anything Neo needs.

It was the quote that got me: "You know what they say happens when you save a life." It made me immediately think about the fact that I was saved ... saved by the One True God in his Son, Jesus Christ. If that quote and the implied reaction - eternal devotion and servitude - are correct, what does that say about the millions of people who have been saved by Jesus Christ? Are we eternally devoted and serving Him with our whole being?

Jesus asks Simon a question in Luke 7 after telling the story of two men who are absolved of debt by their moneylender: one for 500 denarii and the other for 50. Jesus asks in verse 42: "Now which of them will love him more?" to which Simon responds, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven." This story by Jesus holds comparison to two people, equally forgiven, who apparently had different degrees of sin, one with 10 times as much. Simon acknowledges that the one forgiven the greater multitude of sins will love Christ more than the one with less. Sadly, this may in fact be true. If you lived a life where you committed many sins and Jesus came along and said, "Your sins are forgiven," wouldn't you be eternally devoted and obediently, wholeheartedly serving Him forever? Here's the thing, if all sin is equal in the eyes of God and all people sin, then it shouldn't matter if you've been forgiven for 50 or 500 ... we should be eternally devoted and sincerely serving Him with all we have. We have been saved. Because of Jesus Christ, we are washed white as 30+ inches of snow that recently fell in the Northeast. We are free! We will live for eternity with the One who created things as majestic as mountains, the stars and the ocean and yet saw fit to create us, too. We are that important. We are that loved!

Interestingly, the character Neo in this movie, is referred to as the One. He is the one predicted to save the all humans. We already have that. We already have the One who saved all human beings from themselves. And He paid quite a price for it.

We have been saved by the One. Praying we all move heaven and earth to go out of our way to be eternally devoted to Him and serve Him. Imagine a world where every Christian did that.

A Better Bellwether

In the book of Judges in the Bible, scholars call it the Judge's Wheel. The people sin; they suffer consequences of that sin; they pray to God for a leader to save them; God sends a leader or judge; they obey for awhile; the judge dies and they start sinning all over again. After years of this, the people finally begged God for a king. The Lord tried to convince the people through Samuel the prophet that they did not need a king because they had Him as their leader, but they were not convinced He was enough. The Lord warns them of what the consequences will be once they have a leader: high taxes, daughters taken as wives/concubines, being led in to war, etc. But a leader is what they want, so the Lord gives them one. Then another and another and another. The reign of Kings begins in 1 and 2 Samuel and continues on through the books of 1 and 2 Kings (with 1 and 2 Chronicles expounding or condensing some of those same stories.)

What I noticed about those post-King Solomon kings is what happens to the people based on the personality of the king. If he's a good king, the people follow along and do well. If he's an evil king, they do likewise. It's pathetic really. You never see the people rebel against an evil king, usurp him and put in a good, kind, God-fearing king. They just mull along sheep-like behind the bellwether, regardless of the leadership.

I have noticed this about our presidents, especially in this most recent one. The president can be quite influential. People take note when he speaks. And some will blindly listen and agree due to past affiliations or loyalty. When our recent POTUS chose to support various worldly, cultural choices that were not Biblical, the public in a large way agreed with him. It has been sad to see public opinion sway from Biblically-based morals to solely on the "pursuit of happiness," which I am convinced is not our goal as Christian Americans. The pursuit of God, of Christ, yes, but the pursuit of happiness has brought us to places of complacency with regards to infant killing (abortion), fornication/adultery, gender fluidity and our right to faith. And I believe the consequences on our country if it continues as this rate will be disastrous in many ways.

This is an election year, one I have been waiting for four years ... well, eight if you count the four before that. We have the opportunity, as Christians obedient to the Word of God, to elect into office a person who obeys God, fears Him and loves Him. Because if new leadership does that, he/she will be leading the people based on the direction of the Creator of the Universe, and likewise the sheep will follow the shepherd. Not all of them, but perhaps the majority will see the Light. In the meantime, we need to hold our leadership to a high standard. Compare how they have voted on specific changes in this country with what Scripture commands. If it's not in line with the Word, it's time to find a new leader. Recently Franklin Graham decided to leave the Republican Party after leaders of that party chose to support a bill that funded an organization which commits acts that are in direct opposition to God's Word. Christians, open your eyes. Read the Word. Hear the Word. The Bible isn't a buffet where you get to pick and choose what you want to believe. We need leaders in our country who submit to our One True God. And when our leader is not leading that way, we need to make sure we vote for a replacement who will.

When I read the stories of the people who followed the evil kings in the Bible, I shake my head in frustration at their stupidity. You know it came to a point where the Lord had enough of what the leaders and the people were doing where he took the kingdom away from the king and those who lived there. And likewise in the New Testament when people didn't repent in the cities where Jesus spoke and did miracles, he condemned those cities to the fate of Sodom (Matthew 11:20-24). Woe to us, if we ever face that fate. It's time to be accountable to our God and likewise hold our leadership accountable.

Our future generations are depending on us.

By This Everyone Will Know

The other day I watched as two male hummingbirds flew around our feeder. As one approached, the other swooped in to drive him away. And likewise when that one would dive in for a drink, the other hummingbird came back to force him away. This battle went on for more than 30 minutes. And the result? Neither bird got any sugar water. Not a drop. They were so busy shooing each other away from what they coveted, neither got a chance to enjoy the sweet nectar.

I had a little aha moment while watching this battle. I thought about people within the walls of the church who are fighting: people who are slandering and ignoring one another. While they spend so much time manipulating the circumstances to try to avoid so-and-so or be outright vengeful, neither party gets to enjoy the sweet beauty of worship. With two people focused on the hurt and bitterness, their disagreement, the paranoia of what others are thinking and the unforgiveness, what is done the way of worship, love, compassion, discipleship and grace? You have two people (or more) shooing each other away from the peace that is worship of the Holy One, whose heart is probably broken that His children are on the attack against one another. You can obviously see Satan at work in this because he thoroughly enjoys splitting congregations of churches. How can a church focus on growing the kingdom and bringing people into a loving relationship with the Lord and with others if the people within are fighting? The sad part is, many will not notice they are patsies for Satan's destruction. Their guard is up, their walls are built, their anger is at DEFCON 5 and ain't nothin' gonna bridge this chasm.

When watching the hummingbirds I wanted to do one of two things: 1) take the feeder inside. If they couldn't share (I mean there are six flowers for feeding locations on this feeder - the two of them and four hummingbird friends could all eat at the same time), then no one got it. Or 2) wish that I could speak hummingbird to say to them, "Are you guys kidding me really? I have made this for you to enjoy and you'd rather pick at each other? Seriously?"

Now imagine God watching us in our disagreeable best within the church walls. What if He wonders the same? "You can't love and share with one another? I will take the whole church from you. You can't get along? I have made this church for your enjoyment and abundant life and you're going to squander that time? Be loving towards one another!"

We are going to have disagreements within the church. You will lose respect for the many sinners that sit in the pews next to you. But never forget you are one, too. And remember our Father expects us to strive for peace. "If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." Romans 12:18 and "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." Matthew 5:9. 

I have been on the receiving end and the dishing end of these kinds of pathetic arguments. And I can tell you there have been many times where no matter what efforts were made to reconcile or mend relationships, some people just do not want to forgive 70x7. Some would rather stay in their corner whispering than reach out in the love our Father demands. And it's completely against everything we are taught as Christians to do. 

I don't think God expects all of us to be friends. I don't think He expects us to always get along or agree with one another. But He absolutely expects us to love. "I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34-35. He expects us to value others above ourselves (Philippians 2:3). 

If Christians could step outside of their situation to watch the hummingbird battle and realize the damage they are doing and how pathetic they look, perhaps they might reconsider their actions. Perhaps they would realize they are pawns in Satan's great attempt to discredit Christians and destroy the church. Perhaps they would love. We have something worth sharing with the world, but will the world want what we have if we're not sharing it well with each other in the church? There is so much of God to enjoy. If you are engaged in a conflict right now, ask yourself if the struggle is worth the damage. The answer is most certainly a resounding no. God is love. Let people see that in us.

Scripture Prayer Beads

When I went on the Walk to Emmaus years ago, one of the pieces of agape love I received was prayer beads. Similar in look and function to Rosary beads, this piece was to encourage prayer and confession. I thought it was beautiful ... then immediately took it apart. I wanted to take this concept and make something different.

It has been my heart's desire for a long time that people know the Bible and understand the Word. I believe it holds within its pages the secret to life ... both earthy and eternally. Commonly referred to as God's Love Letter, this book tells the story of His passion for His creaction, His unconditional love for us ... a love so deep, that seeing our sorrowful state, He knew the only solution was to die in our place. I am overwhelmed by that love. And who wouldn't want everyone to know about that? So how to learn? After being introduced to the Lord through the love of another, get a Bible and dig in. Whatever it takes to learn about our Father ... reading the Word every single day, over and over again, memorization, recitation. Learning it and living it.

I am always looking for new ways to teach Bible learning. So my new creation from these stripped beads would be an aid in teaching and praying the Word. I decided to create Scripture Prayer Beads. My first attempt at it is above. Incorporating verses that honestly should be memorized, each bead represents a piece or concept of Scripture. Holding this in your hands, it will remind you of the road to salvation, the Beatitudes, Ten Commandments, spiritual armor, the Gospels, promises and what God requires of us, among others. I started making them as gifts for friends and family over the years as going-away, confirmation and baptism gifts. Over the years it's been tweaked a bit. I have it down to a science now so that typically directly across from the empty cross is the butterfly which represents us as a new creation in Him.

Recently I gave six of these as gifts to the precious women who hosted a bridal shower for my daughter, Ayla, Each of these women means so much to me, so I tailored each SPB to their likes. One, a geologist, has beads that are mostly stone. One, who loves brown and is named Krystal, had more brown and crystal beads than the others. One, who loves the beach as much as I do, had seashells, seablue beads and dangling yellow butterfly in memory of her father. I wanted each lady to know theirs was special and theirs alone. I've made manly ones of darker stone beads for guys and ones all in white for baptisms. It's a fun hobby all the while making sure people know what is in the Bible.

And I want you to know also. You want me to make you one, let me know. I will get right on it. You want to learn how to make one yourself and could use some tips, again, let me know and I'll clue you in. My friend Debbie, has already started making some for her family and friends as gifts.

Below is the script that goes with the beads. So have it.

Learn the Word. It will truly save your life in every way possible. And if a handful of strung beads helps you in that ... praise His name!

Scripture Prayer Beads

Two Large Beads: The two greatest commandments: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind.” Deut. 6:5; and “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Lev. 19:18

Six Gold Beads: Salvation texts including the Roman Road. If you plan to evangelize to someone about salvation in Jesus Christ, these Scriptures are the backbone.

1) Romans 3:23: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

2) Romans 6:23: “The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus, our Lord.

3) John 14:6: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except by me.”

4) Romans 5:8: “But God proves His love for us in that while we were sinners, Christ died for us.”

5) John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.”

6) Romans 10:9: “If you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe with your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Large Round Separation Beads: Nine total, one for each of the Beatitudes in Matt. 5:1-12

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

9 Coral Beads: Fruits of the Spirit as found in Gal. 5:22

          Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, generosity and self-control.

10 Gray Stone Beads: The Ten Commandments as found in Ex. 20:1-17

1) You shall have no other God’s before me.

2) You shall not make any idols or images of God.

3) Do not use the Lord’s name in vain.

4) Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.

5) Honor your father and mother.

6) Do not kill.

7) Do not commit adultery.

8) Do not steal.

9) Do not lie.

10) Do not covet.

Four Seablue Beads: Four things Scripture is good for according to 2 Tim 3:16-17: “All Scripture is God-inspired and is useful for teaching, reproof, correction and training in righteousness, so that man may be equipped for every good work.”

Two Gold Crystal Beads with Butterfly between: The two beads are for the Old Testament promise and the New Testament promise. The butterfly is for 2 Cor. 5:17: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone. The new has come.”

O.T. promise: Gen. 12:2-3 “I will make you a great nation. I will bless you. I will make your name great and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and I will curse those who curse you. And all people on earth will be blessed through you.

N.T. promise: John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.

Three Pink Beads: For the Love Chapter in 1 Cor. 13, specifically verse 13: “Faith, hope and love, abide these three, but the greatest of these is love.”

Four Blue Beads: for the four Gospels and key verses in each:

Matthew 28:19-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the end of time.”

Mark 9:23: “If I am able?!  Everything is possible for the one who believes.”

Luke 9:23: “If anyone should become my disciple, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow me.”

John 1:1-14 “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God … The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We have seen His glory and glory of the One and Only who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Three Purple Beads: For the three things the Lord requires of you according to Micah 6:8: “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy and walk humbly with your God.” 

Six Silver Beads: For the six pieces of armor we need to put on daily as described in Eph. 6:10-17: Belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, Good News evangelism shoes to spread the Gospel of Peace, shield of faith to extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one, helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.

Six Green Beads: For the six verses of Psalm 23

1. The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want.

2. He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters.

3. He restores me soul.

He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

4. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and thy staff, they comfort me.

5. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil. My cup overflows.

6. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

The Empty Cross is for the resurrected Christ who makes it possible for us to live with our Father forever.

Whoa! Or Woe.

You've heard the statement before: "The church is full of hypocrites." And you've probably heard the clever congregant's retort: "It sure is, and there is room for more. Come join us."

Yes, the church is full of hypocrites. Repenting hypocrites, but hypocrites nonetheless. But it doesn't mean we should act like one. I think that is my biggest frustration with Christians within and outside of the church ... their inability to act like Christians.

Recently I heard the story about a young married couple who found out before their nuptials that they were expecting a baby. When this couple, post wedding, went to worship at their church, they were told they were no longer welcome there. Say what?! Why? Because they fornicated? Since when is that sin any greater than the one committed by the folks within the church walls? Yes, they sinned, but they got married, repented and were coming to worship the One who died for them. And church members tell them to leave? Good heavens.

Then I heard the story of a teenage girl who recently moved to a new area with her family. The family tried out a new church near their new home and sent their daughter to the youth group. The teen was welcomed to youth and had a great time. However, when she went to school the next day, she was snubbed by the very youth who welcomed her the day before. As a result, the family chose not to attend there, informing the youth pastor of the reason. The youth were hypocrites. Proclaiming the love and acceptance of Christ, but not living it.

Jesus Christ, while loving us in our various states of sin, has choice words to say to hypocrites. He called them vipers, snakes and blind guides. He says repeatedly, "Woe to you," and at one point even says, "How will you escape being condemned to hell?" (Matt. 23:33). Christ tells his followers about these hypocrites in Matthew 23:3 "Therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach." How sad and pathetic is that? Christ knew our lives would be a sad example of what he wanted us to be. Gandhi spoke of it when he said, "I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."

What did Christ call us to do? His greatest commands were to love: first God, then our neighbor as ourself. He also asked us to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey. All well and good, but that means we need to obey as well.

I cannot tell you how many people have treated me poorly in churches. Christians. They have lied to me, betrayed me, excluded me and made fun of me. Within the church walls. And sadly, I must include myself in this, because I know I have done the same at various times. We are a church of hypocrites, this we know, but good heavens, we should be working diligently, continuously, enthusiastically to make sure we don't. What example are we setting?

Are you excluding a soul at church? Are you treating someone poorly? Are you cussing? Are you lying? Are you stealing? Are you committing adultery? Are you not forgiving? Are you gossiping? Are you slandering? Are you making fun of someone? Well, for heaven's sake, for Christ's sake, for our sake and that of the soul you are hindering in their faith journey - stop it.

I expect I'll see non-Christians behaving in a non-loving manner, breaking moral laws and ignoring Scripture, but to see Christians doing it is so disheartening. Who would want to worship with those people? People who call themselves Christian and behave as if they are not should be the rarity, not the norm, and I'm seeing more and more examples of the latter than the former. Christians, hear your Savior! "For you cross sea and land to make a single convert, and you make the new convert twice as much a child of hell as yourselves" (Matt. 23:15); "For you are like whitewashed tombs, which on the outside look beautiful, but inside they are full of the bones of the dead and of all kinds of filth. So you also on the outside look righteous to others, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness" (Matt. 23:27-28). 

Do you remember the old Gatorade commercial with Michael Jordan where the choir sang, "Like Mike, if I could be like Mike?" As the children of God we need to be singing, "Like Christ, if I could be like Christ." Let our lives reflect those of the One True King. Stop yourself before you treat another of God's children - created in His image - as lesser than you. Be obedient to the teachings of our Lord. When we become selective and wishy washy in that obedience, our example is like that which Christ referred to when He said, "If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea." (Matt. 18:6) Christ demands much of us, and expects us to do it.

Do you know what hypocrite means? It means a liar, a contradiction, a pretender. I proclaim I am a Christian ... a little Christ. It's about time those who proclaim that label act like it.