If I were to draw the picture of a Pharisee, I would draw one with a long white robe, pointed fingers, and a red curved tongue.
Many people today, in their effort to present the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, put on the overbearing cloak of the pharisee as they adopt a pious, condescending and critical attitude towards the unbeliever.
The good news, like an ill-fated book, has been subjected to judgement because of its cover, and the free gift of salvation has been repackaged by many, much so that what began as a free gift has now become a rare and expensive commodity.
A lot of people are skeptical, while others cite the presentation, or the attitude of others as basis for their rejection of the Gospel.
While I disagree with the skeptics, I view their plight from the sidelines and see that we must put on the garment of love and compassion when it comes to evangelism.
Many of us put on various unnecessary cloaks and garments, and then wonder why we are not effective at the simple task of evangelism. The Bible says in colossians 3:12-14 that "As God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, but above all these virtures, put on love which binds them all together in perfect unity"
Of all the various garments, that of hypocrisy is one that raises a red flag, and one that continues to stir up controversy among Christians and unbeleivers who are ever ready and eager to cheer and applaud anyone bold enough to criticize the gospel, it's cause and all that it represents.
Some people misquote and misinterprete the scriptures while citing it as basis and rationale for spitting out venom. A recent independent poll taken in various offices indicated that many people find some approaches to be infuriating, judgemental, downright hypocritical and rude.
The blatant disregard for the word and the various attempts at ridiculing and stifling it, is a crucial problem that can no longer be swept under the rug.
We must re-evaluate our attitudes, speech and lifestyle and begin to re-align our actions so that it reflects the goodness, compassion, love and grace of the message that we bring.
When our good news becomes devoid of love and compassion, it loses its seasoning; and we, like a poisonous viper, spit out venom rather than convey the good news effectively to the lost.
