Double Lives

When I read the Bible, I tend to assume that my thinking and understanding of the Gospel is beyond the Pharisees’, but the more I read, the more I realize that I can actually relate to many of pharisaical shortcomings. In Matthew 23, Jesus warns the Pharisees about the danger of living a “double life.” As He states in Matthew 23:27, “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean.” Yikes! This verse is convicting. In this portion of scripture, Jesus is NOT amused with the façade that the Pharisees have created. Obviously, Jesus is not fooled by it, and He is cautioning that there are consequences of living this double life.

Personally, I know there have been instances in my faith journey that I have made my relationship with God appear better than it is. The reality is, I am not ever going to be perfect. However, my goal should not be to make sure I look perfect, but to work towards becoming more like Christ. Furthermore, I must be willing to be honest with myself and others when things are not good.

On Sunday, Pastor John Opalewski offered four consequences of living a double life:

1.      It hardens our hearts
2.      It messes with our heads
3.      It makes us miserable
4.      It jeopardizes our future

As these consequences suggest, living a double life can be very taxing. We can become slaves to keeping up the name of our fictional “self.” This avoidance of vulnerability can wear us down, and ultimately can hinder us from ever truly addressing our faults.

However, there is good news! Jesus welcomes repentance, and He desires that we seek restoration. In response to finding oneself living a “double life,” Pastor John provided three solutions:

1. Repentance
2. Re-engagement with God
3. Re-connection with people

This week, I challenge you to self-assess the gap between how you portray yourself to be and where your heart truly lies. In areas that you find you are struggling most, I encourage you to seek repentance. Vulnerably submit to God and be genuine with those around you. Remember the fact that Christ welcomes repentance and seeks to guide us in becoming more like Him. 

Written by: Tamara Sturdivant

Edited by: De Ann Sturdivant