Sept. 20, 2010
DEVOTION: Being a Hypocrite
By Beth Bondurant
Looking in the mirror isn't easy...in the everyday reality of being human and selfishly motivated. We often respond to our "calling" in life ... but the why can be clouded... and the consequences be altogether different than our anticipated hope.
When we see the faces of hungry children and hear the statistics of such great need... even in our own community, we want to do something... but knowing what is most helpful sometimes alludes our action.
Often time we see and do... then tell and remind ourselves and others of what we might have done... just to affirm our own worthiness... without consideration of those we have attempted to provide our love and caring.
Sometimes we do things because we feel it is our duty. We don't want others to think we might be a hypocrite ... by saying one thing and doing another.
"When you do something for someone else, don't call attention to yourself. You've seen them in action, I'm sure—'playactors' I call them— treating prayer meeting and street corner alike as a stage, acting compassionate as long as someone is watching, playing to the crowds. They get applause, true, but that's all they get. When you help someone out, don't think about how it looks. Just do it—quietly and unobtrusively. That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out."
O God... it's hard to be like you... to pour ourselves out in grace and love. You do this so freely for all. Your love is so quiet and steady that sometimes we don't even realize YOU ARE WITH US... and WITH THOSE around us that we consider to be "wanting". Help us walk the fine line of "giving of self" and knowing that love and grace come from You in every situation. Encourage our spiritual eyes to see You in action and then to be willing to join You however we can to bring about Shalom wherever we are. Forgive us for taking credit for all the blessings we receive from your daily presence and peace. Give us the desire to reach out in love... yet help us not be just 'play actors' in the way we live out our faith. Help us to seek quiet ways to show unconditional love and mercy in and around us. Thank You for not giving up on us... and for renewing our faith and compassion even when we continue... being a hypocrite.
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DEVOTION: Being a Hypocrite
By Beth Bondurant
Looking in the mirror isn't easy...in the everyday reality of being human and selfishly motivated. We often respond to our "calling" in life ... but the why can be clouded... and the consequences be altogether different than our anticipated hope.
When we see the faces of hungry children and hear the statistics of such great need... even in our own community, we want to do something... but knowing what is most helpful sometimes alludes our action.
Often time we see and do... then tell and remind ourselves and others of what we might have done... just to affirm our own worthiness... without consideration of those we have attempted to provide our love and caring.
Sometimes we do things because we feel it is our duty. We don't want others to think we might be a hypocrite ... by saying one thing and doing another.
"When you do something for someone else, don't call attention to yourself. You've seen them in action, I'm sure—'playactors' I call them— treating prayer meeting and street corner alike as a stage, acting compassionate as long as someone is watching, playing to the crowds. They get applause, true, but that's all they get. When you help someone out, don't think about how it looks. Just do it—quietly and unobtrusively. That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out."
O God... it's hard to be like you... to pour ourselves out in grace and love. You do this so freely for all. Your love is so quiet and steady that sometimes we don't even realize YOU ARE WITH US... and WITH THOSE around us that we consider to be "wanting". Help us walk the fine line of "giving of self" and knowing that love and grace come from You in every situation. Encourage our spiritual eyes to see You in action and then to be willing to join You however we can to bring about Shalom wherever we are. Forgive us for taking credit for all the blessings we receive from your daily presence and peace. Give us the desire to reach out in love... yet help us not be just 'play actors' in the way we live out our faith. Help us to seek quiet ways to show unconditional love and mercy in and around us. Thank You for not giving up on us... and for renewing our faith and compassion even when we continue... being a hypocrite.
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