I'm a recovering Pharisee...

       

My favorite line from Rodney Anderson's (our Teaching Pastor's) message this weekend was: "I'm a recovering Pharisee." When he made that statement, I thought: "Me, too!"  I, too, am a recovering Pharisee. I too, just like the Pharisee in Luke 18, am constantly tempted to use externals as a measuring stick in my life, the life of others, and in my relationship with God.  I am constantly tempted to think that because I get paid to do God's work, that "God must be so proud of me." I am constantly tempted to think that people who don't do the "Christian thing" just like I do it aren't as good of  a Christian as I am! I am constantly tempted to think that every church that doesn't "do ministry" just like Mountain Lake is inferior, or less spiritual. I am constantly tempted to think MY way is the best and only way to follow Jesus. I'm a recovering Pharisee!
    Why "recovering" Pharisee, then? Because I'm not as bad as I used to be. I once thought that things like drinking, tattoos, long hair, and rock music were all sins! Now, I don't drink, I don't have a tattoo, I don't have long hair, and I don't listen to that much "rock" music (whatever that is, these days). However, I think that someone could have or do all of those things in their life, and still be a passionate follower of Jesus!  Sorry, Jesus doesn't say ANY of these things are wrong! He DID say it was wrong to judge anyone by their appearance. He DID say it was wrong to justify ourselves before God by our own good works. THAT'S sin...We've GOT to lose our religion. We've got to lose our religion to find Jesus. I've got to lose some more of mine! By the way, Mountain Lake is more religious than we'd like to admit! More on that, tomorrow...

Comments

[Andrea]

Yes we should never be quick to judge others, all people were created equal, and as christians its not right to look down on others.
~Andrea

[Trent Hope]

Another "WOW" message!

[Jason]

Word.

[Ray Calhoun]

Great message that definately opened my eyes. I would have never thought I would be one to start measuring people's spirituality. But I am guilty. Thanks for showing me this truth.
Wonderful start to this series and I look forward to more eye opening truths. Let's all be tax collectors and not lose sight that we can do nothing to earn His love. We aren't worthy but Christ gives us worth.