Looks Can Be Deceiving

In the Book of Matthew (chapter 23) we find Jesus admonishing the religious leaders of that time. The Pharisees and Sadducees are satisfied with only looking the part. Jesus refers to them as being spiritually blind. As He speaks to the church leaders, Jesus uses the example of a bowl and cup that look clean or spotless on the outside. But the inside is much different. Their inside is filthy, only appearing to be clean. It is similar to looking for a new home when the outside pictures seem beautiful only to find a mess when you walk through the front door!

Earlier in the Book of Matthew (15:13-14) Jesus also refers to being deceived, But He answered and said, “Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch." In other words, Jesus is warning about being led down the wrong path by the words of a pastor or preacher who they, themselves, are (spiritually) blind. Blind by ignorance of God's Word and His will. Blind by personal agendas and egos. And, blind by a priority of the world's desires instead of God's Word in its' entirety.

A person can put on smile, wear nice clothes and stand in the pulpit. They can very much look the part. However, that does NOT automatically make them a preacher. Unfortunately, there are many churches that remain spiritually blind and ignorant. Staying the Book of Matthew (7:5), Jesus talks about the need to remove the plank from our own eye to clearly see the speck in our brother's eye. If not, we cannot have clear vision to see things as they truly are.

As we draw closer to the celebration of Easter and Jesus' resurrection, many of our churches will be full. My hope and prayer is those gathered together are not just looking the part...

Pastor Aaron