Beware of Evil Influences
“Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
(Matthew 16:6, NIV)
We have so many influences competing for our attention and submission. Some are good for us and some are bad. Nonetheless, the more time we spend fascinated by the things of this world, the more we become saturated in their messages and themes. In this commandment Jesus warns us to “be on guard” concerning the spiritual teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
A Pharisee is defined by the dictionary as “a member of an ancient Jewish sect, distinguished by strict observance of the traditional and written law, and commonly held to have pretensions to superior sanctity.” Subsequently, a Sadducee is defined as “a member of a Jewish sect or party of the time of Jesus Christ that denied the resurrection of the dead, the existence of spirits, and the obligation of oral tradition, emphasizing acceptance of the written Law alone.”
We all deal with self-righteousness. We all need more grace and humility. Outward complaining can show the heart of a person struggling with self-righteousness. You may not like the unexpected “pickle left in your sandwich,” but have you considered that there may be more to the “pickle” story? There usually is! I believe the opposite of self-righteousness is displayed through humility. Real compassion needs the testimony of sacrificial service. The deeper valleys we tread during our service will be the proof of God’s love, grace, and mercy working in our lives.
Father, Protect us from the evil influences to our soul in this world. Especially, our own minds! Help us to guard our eyes, ears, hands and heart from the things of this world that would obscure or obstruct our pursuit of You. O Lord! Break our will! May the Holy Spirit reign over all our decisions, guide our steps, and lead us in Your Way everlasting! In Christ’s Name, Amen.