I am grateful for this time in my life this summer and how
different it is. It is not necessarily an exhilarating and
fairy-tale-y happy moment all the time. Like the wise man says, there's
a time for everything under the sun.
There is a time to plant and a time to uproot.
I have been a Christian for many years, read Bible passages many
times, listened to many versions of preaching of the same passages. I have
learned immensely throughout the years and seen the power of Jesus so alive in
countless ways.
Though it feels like that’s all there is, it is actually only the
beginning.
I am going to take the risk of being vulnerable and say, I tend to
have the “attitude of the Pharisees” instead.
What is the “attitude of the
Pharisees”?
It is failing to establish the link between what the word of God
says and how that is applicable in everyday life and by so doing, presenting an
untrue image of Christ.
Case in point, the Pharisees and teachers of the law read and
taught how it was not cool at all to sabotage the Sabbath. This is a true
and valid claim. Now Jesus comes up and heals a lady on the Sabbath and they
are so mad about it and fail to see the whole point. All they could see was how
this Jesus guy was not honoring the mighty word of God.
Let’s be candid Pharisee, why are you mad that this woman who
could be your Mum, your sister, your best friend, your wife, your dorm room
mate is healed? Jesus is a friend.
Today, contexts are different, even the case points are subtle.
Following this trend even at the risk of feebleness, I will
illustrate this with myself. As I mentioned before, I grew up in the true
teachings and doctrines of Christ, in matters regarding salvation, baptism,
marriage, speaking in tongues, music and miracles.
Behaving like a Pharisee means living a way that shows that this is all
there is.
Bottom line, Jesus sat and ate with everyday people; he did not
judge them but loved them. I know this and I say it to myself and others all
the time but to be honest, I fail most at times to see the ways in which I can
live this.
I am able to see more clearly now especially resent examples of me
not being that great and my prayer is that before the summer ends, I will have
examples that demonstrate that I am learning, understanding and applying the
next level of my journey.
