Today I want to share Andrew Womack's devotional about religious pride!
RELIGIOUS PRIDE BRINGS DISSENSION
Mark 15:10 "For he knew that
the chief priests had delivered him for envy."
The Jews were God's chosen people
and therefore, God's representatives on earth. Yet, they lied and condemned an
innocent man to death. Pilate could see that their real motivation for wanting
Jesus dead was envy. They were doing all their religious works to be seen of
men, and were upset that Jesus was getting more recognition than they were. If
these Jews would have thought about what type of witness they were giving, even
they would have known that their actions were not inspired by God.
We should remember that we are
God's witnesses on earth, or as Paul said, "We are epistles... known and
read of all men" (2 Corinthians 3:2). Judging our actions in the light of,
"What kind of witness will this give to others?" will help us discern
whether or not we are being led of God.
The chief priests had deceived
themselves and other religious people into believing that they were condemning
Jesus for godly reasons, but even an ungodly ruler like Pilate could see
through their lies. Religious bondage blinds people to the truth even more than
sin does.
These rulers wanted to retain
their power and authority, so they fought against the power and authority of
Jesus. This is still the same today. Men use doctrinal issues to disguise the
real issue. The truth is that, "Only by pride comes contention"
(Proverbs 13:10). People who love to have the preeminence (3 John 9) are usually
the instigators of persecution.
JESUS often rebuked the religious leaders of His day because even though they had the Word of God to guide them, they did NOT have the understanding of the Word, nor would they allow the people to listen unhindered to the Word of God being taught! Those leaders were so concerned about their positions of authority in the eyes of others that they neglected to realize that the God of the Bible was not pleased! Make sure that you keep focused on the Word of God and allow Holy Spirit, Who lives IN every born again believer, to teach you and train you to be a DOER of the Word!!! AMEN! Here is Hillsong Kids with "You Know Me":
Shalom in Him!
