As you grow close to co-workers, family and friends, there are certain tendencies that you expect to see. Sure, there will be anomalies that will occur that might catch you off guard momentarily, but you know them. Meanwhile, there will be other phases which people go through that will question how much you really know about these individuals. Nonetheless, sometimes actions, behavior or words are not what it seems.
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? – Matthew 3:7
At first glance, I didn’t understand why John the Baptist rebuked Pharisees and Sadducees in the passage above for wanting to be baptized. At this time in history becoming baptized by John was trending, the popular thing to do in the Jewish community. Thus, John saw through their hidden motives, like those praying out loud at the weeping wall, trying to convince others of their godliness. While individuals today continue to seek attention in similar ways, be careful that you’re not fooled by someone living a lie like Jim Carrey in Liar Liar.
Produce fruit in keeping with repentance, Matthew 3:8.
When actions appear to be fake, phony and unusual, the Bible provides a truth detector. The author of Matthew who is a member of the tribe of Levi suggests that genuine confession is followed by acts of contrition. If an alcoholic is seen at a bar Sunday night after informing his pastor I have finally quit drinking, no one will believe him. When a woman promises not to have another affair yet is flirting with a co-worker the next day, what good is this vow? Since we live in a world of hypocrites, stop coming up with excuses for poor decisions or it’s not what it seems may become reality.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 