A.J. Castellitto
August 11, 2014
Fools and hypocrites
By A.J. Castellitto

"But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was.

But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.

If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless."


There is pleasure in having something I write reach others and stir up some emotions – both good and bad. I've also gotten somewhat caught up in the social media buzz. You can put yourself out there and make like-minded individuals believe you are nicer, smarter and even more humble than you really are.

But no matter which side you fall – blogger or reader – don't be deceived; real life paints a clearer picture.

If my platform be self-glorifying, may God burn it down.

How may I proudly and justly rest in my own perpetuated notoriety as faithful Christians oversees are murdered, tortured and left for dead?

What if those around me may suffer in silence and neglect? What of those who may struggle right under my own roof?

Do I continue to blog self-righteous sentiments as the world around me is mired in chaos and confusion? How often do I find my keyboard before I find my knees?

Is tragedy and heresy merely an opportunity for self-inflated wisdom and superiority?

Shame on me, if it be true. I should know better....

I, myself, have been ravaged by guilt, anxieties, perplexities, selfishness, pride.... They are the effects of poor choices and a wretched propensity toward sin and iniquity.

Are we mired in puffed up self-deception or walking a narrow, God-glorifying path toward Zion?

It's time again to check myself, that I may not be found eternally wrecked.

I'm not saying that I'm not sincere in my public sentiments. But cowards hide behind their iPhone. All too often, I've played the coward. I've been seduced by my own boasting. I've been feeding on my own big words.

It's those, too few moments, that I've written, spoken, and walked in true humility (with Jesus Christ on my mind, in my heart and on my agenda) that I've truly represented the 'me' I hope to be..... forever and eternally.

I often forget who it is that leads me spiritually, and has led me to the natural means to help alleviate the marks left by my own foolishness and sin. I can never have too much humility and thankfulness to Him who has led me through the darkness (and reminds me when I go astray) and is merciful in providing spiritual reminders and carnal relief.

But enough about me.

We, humanity (in a general sense), are the origin of the tragedy and the prince of darkness is our tour guide. The celestial railroad leads unto a door on the side of a hill. On the other side of that door lies a fiery oblivion where the deceived hypocrites go. How easily do we lose our way (especially when the path chosen is all wrong from the start).

But the faithful child is patient. He is caring and empathetic. He sacrifices himself for others and expects nothing in return. His reward will be great but that's not what he seeks. God is his motive and his gift to others. His good works will flow from a love of Christ. He is a light shining in the darkness.

Faith, hope and charity is reflected and residing in the convicted, humble and contrite heart. God will be praised through every good, sanctified work.

There is both an increase and a decrease. The vile sinner overcome by the misery he has generated and perpetuated unto himself and others will find forgiveness.

Jesus is the increase. He is the redemption. He is the deliverance from death unto life.

He is not only the better way, and a joyous way, but He is the saving way.

We are haplessly lingering. We've been haphazardly stashed in the 'Lost & Found.' Jesus is our great find and we are his. How grateful we are. Does our life reflect that? or are we falling back into former ways?

Get your focus off 'me' and start showing your love and gratitude for 'Him.' If you can't, or only do so begrudgingly, you are being ruled by your own self-deception. It's time you petition a most merciful God to get you back on track. He will set all things right.... again! You will be renewed.

Resist denominational bias, and God willing, you will be blessed by the faithful preacher.....

http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=810141156177

"For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw – each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire....

Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is folly with God."


© A.J. Castellitto

 

The views expressed by RenewAmerica columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of RenewAmerica or its affiliates.
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A.J. Castellitto

A.J. Castellitto is a freelance writer who resides in NJ with his wife and five children. He holds a B.S. in Counseling and Human Services from the University of Scranton and his writings have been published at The Center for Western Journalism, The Christian Post, Intellectual Conservative and Reformed Perspective Magazine.

Tweets: @AmericaLost2014

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