Last week’s message dealt with the important topic of how to keep strong in faith even in the face of the perceived hypocrisy of others who profess to be part of the Body of Christ. This week’s message expounds further on this critical issue which can often serve either to make or break our own Christian character and relationship to God and our peers, be it in or outside the church environment.
In the world we live in, good role models are few and far between. Although spiritual mentorship has its merits, it also has limitations. Even those who seem to be the strongest disciples sometimes experience moments of weakness as can often be seen in the Biblical accounts. The beauty of being a Protestant Christian is that of realizing that there is but only one true Mediator and Saviour-our High Priest, Jesus Christ Himself (Heb 4:14-16). Each of us is personally accountable for our own sins and the way in which we choose to conduct our lives. When we stand in judgment before our God and King, we will stand alone regarding our decision either to repent or be condemned. We will not , at that time, be permitted to blame others for our having been led astray as we have all been given the gift of free will which we are at liberty to exercise in making the decisions that will determine our eternal destiny. If we will not be able to blame others in that great day, why should we live our lives blaming each other now? It is high time that each of us takes responsibility for our own actions instead of trying to make scapegoats of others who are mere pilgrims on the same journey as us.
Psalm 118:9 emphasizes that it is better to put our trust in the Lord than in princes. It is better to trust in the unfailing arm of God than in fallen man. He has promised to uphold all who put their trust Him with His righteous right hand. Entreat the Lord for His mercy in dealing with your own sins and shortcomings instead of spending the majority of your time finding fault with others (Luke 6:41-42). Do not be afraid to correct others in the spirit of love as counseled in the Word of God, however do not become preoccupied with pointing out the faults of others while neglecting to work on your own failures lest you end up preaching to others and yourself be a castaway (1 Cor 9:27, Eph 4:15, 32). Always remember that the young in the faith are most likely to obediently take the counsel of those who practice the Word as well as teach it (James 1:22). David first asked God to remove his own transgression for only then could he effectively teach others how to live God’s way (Ps 51:12-14). No one has any desire to listen to hypocrites!
By looking to Christ alone as our example, we will be successful in ridding our churches of the spirit of rebellion and hypocrisy that seeks to destroy our credibility as witnesses for Christ and is a ploy by satan in his efforts to paralyse the kingdom of God. Let Christ be your role model, and teach others to whom you witness and minister to look to Him and not to you. This does not excuse you from your duty to be a good example of wholesome Christian living, but it will really help others to maintain their faith in Christ in the event that you do stumble and fall. Each individual’s relationship with Christ should be based on a personal experience of Him and not on the spirituality of the person who was instrumental in bringing that person to Christ.
Look to Christ, and seek to walk as He walked (1Jn 2:6). He is the author and perfecter of your faith!
"He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked."- 1 John 2:6
"He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked."- 1 John 2:6
