My husband and I have been on an ecumenical journey recently. As we visit various churches in our hometown I am struck with how many things, as Christ’s Church, we share, as opposed to our differences. As I was listening to this week’s sermon, I made some notes about Pharisees:
Self-absorbed, morality watchdogs/guardians, very religious, protector of the “system,” don’t like surprises, practice exclusivity, easier to look at one’s past than be part of the present, truth is threatening, easier to clean hands than hearts, care more about policy than people, law and order over compassion.
Yeouch! Was the pastor looking at me during the sermon? Like it or not, I fall into the Pharisee mode all the time. So I’m re-learning (daily) to remove ME from the center of my universe and put HIM there.
From one recovering Pharisee to another, remember the law condemns, but His Grace frees us!
Tagged: church, kindness and compassion
