“You know you’re a pharisee if sin disgusts you more than it moves you to compassion.”
~John Piper
Jesus had harsh words for the Pharisees. And for good cause: they created stumbling blocks for those who sought God, they prided themselves in their good works and self-righteousness, and they despised the tax-collectors and ubiquitous “sinners.” Jesus called them “white-washed tombs” and a “brood of vipers.” He didn’t exactly sugarcoat his condemnation of them.
Which is why I’ve tried to stay as far away from the label “pharisee” as long as I could, even though in my heart-of-hearts I knew that I probably was one.
Me? A Pharisee?
In my own life, I’ve been deeply hurt by someone I love dearly.
This person (who I looked up to more than any other person on the planet) had become so blinded by and entangled in sin that his presence was a threat to my well-being and those around him. And so he left, partially because I put up walls and partially because he would rather leave than give up his sin.
Our relationship died that day, and I went through shock, disbelief, anger, and bitterness, before finally resting in a place of loss.
It’s been over three years. Three long years.
And now I feel The Father tugging on my heart, telling me it’s time to act in reckless love.
But The Pharisee in me doesn’t want to hear it.
I’m sharing the rest of my story over at Essential Thing Devotions and I’d LOVE for you to join me there to hear where God took me next.
