Luke 6:1-11

Be Still:  Come to me again, Lord, in my daily life and business. Let me be still with you for a few minutes now. Amen

Read:  Luke 6:1-11

But some of the Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath? (v2, v7) 

But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus. (v11)

Encounter:  I don’t suppose you and I think that we are like Pharisees: they observed their precise detailed rules for life but seemed indifferent to individuals and their needs. However, we too can become focused on small issues, get things out of proportion when going through a tough time or struggling with a difficult relationship, and fail to see the bigger picture.

I remember, years ago, when my father (who was a Methodist preacher for 60 years) did a small job for someone at church. The recipient said he would pay dad as soon as he could. Well, this didn’t happen, and every time I saw my dad after, he told me the guy still hadn’t paid him and was really upset about it. He just wouldn’t drop it, even though the amount involved was small and not worth the grief. He couldn't see past it.                               

The Pharisees were also perfectionists. I used to think that being a perfectionist was a good thing but now realise that it isn’t. We can wear ourselves out trying to achieve a standard that we cannot obtain and then think that we are a failure, because we can’t achieve it. 

Perfectionism has two unhealthy roots. The first is an underlying anxiety - trying to avoid criticism or rejection, or control outcomes. The second is self-effort – I’ve got to do this......I must try harder…… I need to prove myself. 

Neither attitude is faith-based.

‘Do not be overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself? Do not be excessively wicked, and do not be a fool... Whoever fears God will avoid all extremes. (Ecclesiastes 7:16-18)

Apply: One way to keep a good balance in holy living is to share your thoughts and opinions with a trusted Christian friend, who will tell you if you are getting 'off track'. Being prepared to be vulnerable and uncertain is a good thing. Becoming isolated and self-sufficient can be dangerous.

Devote: Let me heed the warning of the Pharisees, Lord, and show me if I am prioritising performance over love for others.