It's still vanity.

Dear Readers,

The hunger for titles and public awards in our human lives--indeed, even in our religious lives--is simply astonishing. The bragging and exhibitionism that goes on around the water cooler or the golf course, the almost routine puffing-up of resumes, and much of what passes for normal in our culture of self-esteem, are a part of life with no sense of our standing in the presence of God.

The desire to have religious respect or reputation, and the approval of others will put us out of the sway of God's will back into the barren desert of the rightness of the scribes and Pharisees. Jesus revealed much of most of the religious observance of his day was a sham. In particular, he used the term "hypocrites". Interestingly, Jesus seems to be the first one to have brought this term into the moral vocabulary of the world. Originally it had meant (in Greek) anyone who acted on stage. The Greek actors routinely wore gaudy masks to conceal their true identity, and an actor might change masks one or more times within a play. Jesus utilized this vivid image that would have immediately grabbed the attention of his hearers because of their familiarity with stage characters. They recognized the acts of the scribes and Pharisees who "do everything they do with the aim of being noticed by others. They enlarge the religious symbols on their clothing. They like to have the most prominent seats at dinners, and they relish being called "Professor" or "Doctor".(Matt.23:5-7). Jesus made repeated distinctions between our face to the world and our person before God.

The public forms of our Christian devotions are often all too similar to the kind that Jesus pushes aside. But if you have to bet on the sermon subject for next week, don't bet on this one. But the refreshing thing is knowing that we are not in bondage to external forms, or to their absence. Forms could be wrong and the heart right, or the form right and the heart wrong.

There is nothing inherently wrong with being known, as a scholar or excellent character. The issue here is one of intents and purposes. Why have we done that good deed? If to be seen by men, God will gladly stand aside and grant our wish. He knows where He is wanted and where He is not, and He doesn't like to be present when He is not. He will eventually have His "day of the Lord", though.

Part of being truly humble requires adhering to the principle of "the Audience of One". We are on stage, the performing hall is empty with the exception of One. But He fills the room, and His applause or displeasure determines the success of our show.

And another thing. Life becomes much simpler, when we no longer live for the desires and approval of others.

Your Resident Apatheist,

~Bill Longworth, Esq.

Chairman, local chapter of Apatheist's
Club President, KY Chapter of Bill-lovers
Supreme High Commander
Chief Cook and Bottle-washer

Ain't rampant credentialism lovely?

"For you have only one teacher, and all of you are students." Matt. 23:8.