Devotions with Pastor Holmes

Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise. (Ephesians 5:15)
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Most are acquainted with the often quoted phrase, “Hurt people, hurt people.” The problem is when we are the ones hurt, it always seems magnified.  This is especially true when the person who hurts us claims a Christian lifestyle. We are told there is a whole group of people who have left organized religion over the hypocrisy of a few.

First, let’s admit people who are Christ followers are not perfect.  Indeed they often do and say the wrong things. Being a Christ follower is not about pretending to be good, it is admitting you are bad.

We must never forget, Jesus did not come for the perfect, but for the messed up! You should not be surprised when a Christ follower messes up, hurts you or even lets you down.

Christ followers are people who know they need to seek forgiveness as well as to say, “I’m sorry” a lot. That said; we must never forget that hypocrisy is a sin, often used by the forces of evil to discourage, discount and demean God’s good people. It gives great occasion to the enemies to marginalize the church and cause far too many to turn away from the Lord.  At its best, hypocrisy causes ruptured relationships within the Christian community and often finds a dwelling place in resentment, anger and bitterness.

As we seek to honor God with our lives, talents and service, let’s keep Paul’s words found in Ephesians 5:15 at the forefront of all we say and do!  “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise.”             

​Pastor Holmes