| Daily Devotional for October 23, 2020 Rerun of Daily Devotional October 18, 2016 Allison’s family owns Cathedral Oaks, which is a beautiful wedding venue filled with very old, stunningly striking oak trees. It looks like the sort of thing you would see on a movie set. She recently shared an experience that got me thinking. A couple was getting married at their venue. The groom had made a large wooden cross that he wanted to hang from one of the old oak trees. It was to be the backdrop for the ceremony. But the owners determined the weight of the cross was too much for the particular tree he wanted to use. At this point, the groom became very angry and started cussing about hanging the “God D…. Cross.” Isn’t that sad? When Allison told me what had happened, the first thought that ran through my head was how hypocritical this groom was. But then I realized I fall into that same category. Whenever I refuse to forgive others but expect God to forgive me, I become a hypocrite. Whenever I see the needs of others and do nothing but expect God to help me, I become a hypocrite. Whenever I look at someone with contempt but expect God to look at me with love, I become a hypocrite. Whenever I preach that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, but continue to treat mine in such an abhorrent manner, I become a hypocrite. Whenever I look at another person as a sinner but see myself as a saint, I become a hypocrite. My list of hypocrisy is very long. Jesus told a parable about a first-rate sinner and Pharisee praying in the Temple. The Pharisee said, “God, I am as good as it gets. Thank you for not making me like that scum of the earth sinner.” The first rate sinner’s prayer was very different. Jesus said, “But the tax collector (first rate sinner), standing far off, would not even look up to heaven but was beating his breast saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 18:13-14) So the next time you begin to look down on someone else, remember that none of us are the shining saints we think we are. Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, please allow me to see myself the way I truly am. Help me to put all my trust and confidence in your son. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. All of us are works in progress but God is willing and able to put in the time. That’s how good God is. I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter. Tom Robbins |
Daily Devotional October 23, 2020
Published
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 