Today is Wednesday, January 11, 2023. Unfortunately, we live in a society where “going with the flow” actually leads to getting caught in a strong undertow that sweeps many unwary into the deep. How do we discern this dangerous tendency? Read on...
Today's Reading:
Genesis 27,28; Psalms 4; Luke 11
Scripture
“‘Woe to Pharisees … for you are like concealed tombs and the people who walk over them are unaware of it.’ And one of the lawyers said to Him in reply, ‘Teacher, when you say this, you insult us too!’ But he said, ‘Woe to you lawyers as well … ’” (Luke 11:43-46).
Observation
Jesus is known for His grace and mercy, but He could lay it down when it called for it! When the lawyers, or the “teachers of the Law,” tried to side with those He was reprimanding, the tables got turned. “You insult us as well when you talk like that to the Pharisees …”
Not a smart thing to do. Now, they were next in line! Jesus turned to the lawyers and leveled His crosshairs on them. “And as for you…!”
Jesus was an equal-opportunity offender.
Application
We cannot think that just because we take sides with a seemingly “underdog” position that it will make us look more virtuous. On the contrary, a popular, politically correct stance could mean spiritual suicide, family divisions, a scar on our souls, and a blight on our churches. Here are a few examples:
- We hear about the plight of the homosexual or trans-gender, and now we demand social justice and normalize the behavior.
- Or abortion … “How can you take a mother’s rights away and call it fair?” Sounds reasonable.
- Or pornography — “We live in a free country, and just because it’s there, it doesn’t mean people have to download it.”
- Or immorality – “Being sexually active is just a part of growing up in our society. Everybody does it.”
It is essential for us, as followers of Christ, not to jump in on a popular stance so quickly or impetuously — but to think deeply and biblically first. This is the challenge and the mandate for us all, lest Jesus turns to us and say, “… And as for you …”
Prayer
Father, help us develop great, wise, and insightful thinkers — leaders who speak with depth and understanding. Help me know You more and more until Your thoughts become my thoughts and Your voice becomes mine.
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