John 12:42 gives me cause to wonder. Do we still have this problem today? Do we still hesitate to confess our belief in Jesus because of the multitude of Pharisees in our world today? Some would say there is no problem of believing in Jesus today — at least not in this country.
The following is a quote from Strong exhaustive concordance of the Bible “They sought for distinction and praise by outward observance of external rites and by outward forms of piety, and such as ceremonial washings, fastings, prayers, and alms giving; and, comparatively negligent of genuine piety, they prided themselves on their fancied good works.”
We live in a world where lip service is given to God by so many leaders of society and they carefully define the limits of what service to God should be. We find ourselves disagreeing with their limits, yet fail to speak up because of fear — fear we will be marked as a religious fanatic. We justify our silence by thinking “if I speak up then I’ll lose all chance to influence them”.
Brethren, influence is brought to bear only by people who have the courage to state that conviction in a way that others can see. Will you be a Pharisee or a disciple?
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