Hypocrits

In these circumstances, a crowd of many thousands came together, so that they were trampling on one another. He began to say to His disciples first: "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisee's, which is hypocrisy. There is nothing covered that will not be uncovered, nothing hidden that won't be made known. Therefore, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and whatever you have whispered in an ear in private rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops." Luke 12:1-3

I am quite capable of being a hypocrite, how about you? Just when I think I am going well and keeping my tongue under wraps I find myself judging someone else because they do something I would never do. I did it today. I met a lady I have not seen in a long while and we got talking about our dogs. She was telling me about how her dog is snappy and before I knew it I was telling her the woman I walk with has a dog like that which she allows to walk off the lead. I am constantly amazed how that dog is not kicked by a bicyclist as it passes. I have gently told her, in a roundabout way, she should have it on a lead but she does not listen. I now know there is part of me, deep down that is miffed by her irresponsibility and unwilling to listen. What is not good is my reactions and behaviour.

I also have an issue with a local super store who is allowing their shopping trolley to be stolen and left lying around. I have reported the trolleys for weeks, spoke to the manager, emailed the manager. I am frustrated because I cannot solve the problem. I recognise the problem is mine and I have to solve it. Meantime I must contain my attitude and find the creative solution.

As Paul said, "oh sinful man that I am, who will deliver me from this body of sin? Praise Jesus Christ my saviour." I cannot save myself, redeem myself, I can only be repentant and willing.

Hypocritical people are those who refuse to change and maintain the rage. I can't, I won't. The Pharisees quite liked the image they had of themselves. When I start to like arrogance, I have a real problem.