Honoring Perspective
Honoring Perspective
A voice, one that trails away across the silent ebb and flow of waves rolling in and
out. A call penetrating through the tumultuous waves and howling winds pushing
us forward. A whisper, quietly questioning if we are ready to step out in this new
walk. Souls around us question. A soul within us stirs. This world, His creation,
beckons that there is work to be done. Motivations come in various ways, at the
most unexpected of times. This world is full of possibilities, and a healthy soul
wishes to plant the seed and reap His abundance.
For Christians, the call to good works is not just a suggestion but a cornerstone of
faith. (1 Peter 2:4-8) Motivated by biblical mandates to love our neighbors, care
for the poor, and serve the church, we strive to put our beliefs into tangible
action. (Colossians 1:10) Yet, in a culture increasingly skeptical of organized
religion, the very acts intended to honor God and bless others can become a
dangerous stumbling block. When good works are performed with an unseen
trace of arrogance or hypocrisy, they can alienate the lost, wound fellow believers,
and ultimately, undermine the very Word they aim to advance. The peril lies in
the subtle shift from humble service to self-righteous performance.
Temptation to conflate good deeds with personal righteousness is a perennial
danger for believers. The Pharisees of Jesus's day were the “idle” example. They
knew the Scriptures, tithed meticulously, and performed charitable acts, but did
so "to be seen by others" and accumulate honor from men. This outward
religiosity, missing inner transformation and manifestation of genuine love, was
met with Jesus's harshest rebukes. He called them "hypocrites" and
"whitewashed tombs," (Matthew 23:27-28) beautiful on the outside but full of
spiritual decay within. Such an accusation is disarming, crushing, and for the
fairly-positioned receiver - deflating. After all, does the world see this as decay?
Do we acknowledge that with each new blessing, our lens has been customized
and our perspective altered? Do we understand that our own perspective can be
seen domineering to others?
Even with the best intentions, Christians are susceptible to a similar pharisaical
mindset. The focus can shift from serving God to building one's own reputation.
For example, a Christian who regularly posts about their financial offerings and
charitable actions may be trying to inspire others. But if the primary motive is to
receive praise and recognition, the act is poisoned by pride. The line between
sharing a testimony and humble-bragging is razor-thin and easily crossed. “I tell
you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they
speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be
condemned.”(Matthew 12:36-37) Unbelievers, who often have a keen eye for
inauthenticity, are quick to spot such motives, turning a potential moment of
witness into a confirmation of their skepticism. Instead of seeing God's grace at
work, they see a boastful display of self-righteousness. This soul becomes wary,
jaded and easily confused in a world of inconsistent good.
Unintended arrogance can also manifest in a judgmental spirit toward those
perceived as less. When good works become a metric for spiritual maturity, a
"keeping score" mentality can develop. A Christian who believes their diligent
service entitles them to a higher spiritual standing may look down on those with
different convictions or practices. This attitude creates a toxic and divisive
environment within the church and drives away those still exploring their faith.
Instead of extending the grace and mercy they have received, they seemingly offer
judgment, which is the antithesis of our Lord’s Good Message. Could we be seen
as Pharisees, who demand righteousness from others while excusing our own
sins? Scripturally-grounded faith should be defined not by a checklist of do's and
don'ts, but by a heart overflowing with love, “For by grace you have been saved
through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of
works, so that no one may boast.” (Eph. 2:8-9)
It is challenging to live in a world of questions. In a fight for survival, the one
longing all life shares is comfort. Control often satiates comfort. If we can predict,
we can prepare, or so we think. Was this ever God’s plan? In truth, yes - we
should plan, with a dependence on Him. God’s placement must be first. Our
every action - in accordance with His will. Every word is to be spoken with the
echo of His utterance. If we speak as one driven by self, how might that sound? If
we do not know, should we understand when we might be questioned? Subjecting
self promotes the greater growth of service to all brethren. If we separate
ourselves, why?
- Ryan Griffith
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The Way We View Our Fathers
age 4: “My Daddy can do anything!”
age 7: “My Daddy knows a lot, a whole lot.”
age 10: “My Father doesn’t quite know everything.”
age 15: “Dad? – he’s so out of date, what can you expect?”
age 25: “He knows a little bit, but not much.”
age 35: “Maybe I should get Dad’s advice first.”
age 50: “Dad would really know what to do.”
age 60: “I think my Dad knew just about everything.”
[ Reread that, substituting “Mother” ]
Hear, my son, your father’s instruction and do not
forsake your mother’s teaching. - Proverbs 1:8
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