As a Christian, I sometimes feel like I have multiple personalities.
But in all actuality, those alleged split personalities are really just the yucky places in my heart (see also: sin) that are constantly at war with my call to be like Christ.
It’s exhausting, I tell you.
If we are honest with ourselves, there is probably a little bit of hypocrite in all of us. We say one thing and do another. We know how we are a supposed to love/behave/react as followers of Jesus but before you can say “Stop right there, word vomit!” we do or say something that might make folks raise a quick eyebrow as to our heart status.
Fortunately, this is not a new problem. Jesus has been dealing with this for ages. Today, we walk through the parable of the two sons in Matthew 21:28-32.
This is a short parable but with a very powerful message– one that perhaps speaks to our inner hypocrite. Here we go:
There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’
“‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.
“Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go.
“Which of the two did what his father wanted?”
“The first,” they answered.
Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.
So what does this mean for us?
1. God cares about both of our actions and our words… but most of all our hearts. The heart of the first son, although initially and verbally disobedient, took some time, thought over the “Father’s” request to work in his vineyard (Aka Kingdom of Heaven.) In turn, God was pleased with the heart of the first son.
2. The second son is like our inner hypocrite– we say yes to God but fail to follow through. This is a double whammy for the Creator of the Heavens of Earth. Not only are we being disobedient, but we also lied to God. Yikes.
3. (This is my favorite lesson from the parable, so listen up…) Even if we resist or balk at first, our final follow through is what shall be judged. God doesn’t give up on us and will wait until we come around (well, within reason.)
What are your thoughts on the parable? Which son are you most of the time? In what areas of your life does your yes need to be yes more often? I always welcome your feedback– chime in by leaving a comment.
Dear readers, I pray that you are encouraged by the fact that even if we have a little bit of fear, resistance or initial rebellion towards God, He will pursue us. In the end, ultimate obedience always wins.
Even if we are a bit slow to start in our walk with Him… Let’s finish strong and work to further His kingdom.
In His Service,
“But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” ~Matthew 5:37 NKJV
Linking up today with Kelli via Unforced Rhythms, Laura at Playdates with God, and Joan’s Beauty in His Grip. Oh! And be sure to join our #EverydayJesus link-up community right here at 7 Days Time every Thursday!
