SCRIPTURE:
“Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying, ‘Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.’”
Luke 12:1-3
OBSERVATION:
The Pharisees held a theological view which was not in line with God’s will, and therefore their word and actions were liken to how yeast effects the process in permeating and affecting food, their views and actions negatively conflicted with God’s true will. They interpreted and applied God’s will into their own will and laws. Thus, much of their teaching was hypocrisy in relation to God’s will.
APPLICATION:
This is a great reminder that my words and views do get repeated and communicated beyond those that I share it with. It’s also wise to remember that as a leader our words are often used as trump cards for others to get their point across or get their way. Thus, like the Pharisees, our positions as leaders can lend credence to other’s agendas. Thus, it is so important that I am careful as to the words that leave my mouth, and more so, how the words that leave my mouth are often influenced by my feelings or perspective at the time … good or bad, encouraging or spiteful. That’s why I love James 1:19 of being quick to listen and slow to speak, or better yet, watching my mouth and choosing my words carefully, always from a heart of Jesus rather then my own ways. It is so true as to how powerful our words are and can be. Thus, it is so important knowing that others will often repeat my words and that it will have either a positive impact or negative impact.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, may I mindful of the words that come forth from my mouth knowing that they will be made known and often communicated forward. May the words that come from my mouth be words that come from a heart after your heart.
