A word fitly spoken is like APPLES OF GOLD in a setting of silver – Proverbs 25v11
When we think of hypocrites it is because LIPS and LIFE don’t match. The word hypocrite comes from the Greek word meaning pretending or play-acting where the actor wears a different mask as he plays different people. If you are a sincere Christian to be labelled as a hypocrite is tragic – we all need to make sure our lips and lives are aligned and are the same on Monday as on Sunday. For the next few weeks, I want to highlight five distinguishing characteristics in the Book of Ephesians that should be found in committed Christians. The first is found in chapter 4v1: “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love”. Because we are the only Christ this world will ever see, we need to live worthy of being His representatives. One of the attributes Christ displayed whilst here on earth was humility – He wasn’t a money-grabbing, power-drunk, comfort-seeking, egoistical narcissist like some who claim to be His followers were, but instead “He made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2v7). Humility isn’t weakness – Moses was a humble man, but a leader of note and somebody who wasn’t afraid of confrontation when there was the need. However, he never pushed himself forward – he had a passion and care for his people and was prepared to suffer for and with them. Gentleness and patience are not normally found in successful and ambitious people, but if we are worthy followers of Jesus Christ, they are essential. It’s easy to talk about love, but not so easy to put into practice when we are tasked with bearing with one another and esteeming others better than oneself. Paul tells us to imitate himself as he imitated Christ who said of Himself. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”(Matthew 11v28)
That is the challenge I leave with you this week.
God Bless
Graeme Greenwood