His host was amazed to see that he sat down to eat without first performing the hand-washing ceremony…Then the Lord said to him, “You Pharisees are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy – full of greed and wickedness!” – Luke 11: 38-39

Have you ever heard of the term “Nice Nasty”?

If not, it’s a term used to describe a person whose life is well put together – they dress nice, keep a clean home, speak well, etc. – but they carry within them stony hearts.

And oftentimes, they’re so far gone in their behavior that they’re completely oblivious to the fact that their behavior is ugly.

“Nice Nasty” is essentially what Jesus called the Pharisees.

But in their defense, they were taking steps to follow the law, which is something their ancestors failed to do time and time again.

And history showed them that those who didn’t obey God’s commands were punished.

So how was Jesus getting away with not following the law to the T like they were?

Their thought process had some logic to it. 

But what they didn’t understand was that following the law wasn’t sufficient if they didn’t truly understand the purpose and heart of the law.

As we read about the Pharisees, it’s very easy for us to identify their fatal flaw.

But there’s actually a pretty thin line between genuine worship and Pharisee behavior!

• How often do we tithe with pride, but cast judgment on others?
• How often do we glow in the light of peer recognition, but refuse to show compassion for lost souls?
• How often do we get defensive and refuse correction that’s biblically based?
• How often do we act as major stumbling blocks to others without realizing it?

We like to think that we don’t do these things, but if we’re truly honest with ourselves, we do.

And if we’re not careful to examine ourselves on a regular basis, Satan will creep in like a ninja and deceive us into believing we’re on the right path when we’re actually not.

But when we look to Jesus and ask the Holy Spirit to purify us, we will be placed back on the right path every single time.

Because God’s love for us is unfailing and He can cast out the devil with a snap of His finger!

Be blessed,

Alexia

Prayer: God, please keep me from lying to myself and living in a way that displeases you. Help me to be honest with myself so I won’t behave like the Pharisees. Through your Holy Spirit, show me how to love justice, exercise mercy, and embody the love of Christ. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.