Read John 18:28-32
Am I Living A Life Of Double Standards?
The religious leaders took Jesus from Caiaphas to the Palace of the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. Because it was Passover time, the religious leaders could not enter the palace or they would be considered unclean and therefore could not partake of Passover. So Pontius Pilate came out of the Palace to talk with them.
I see the religious leaders living a life of double standards. The religious leaders did not want to enter the palace during Passover time because they would be considered unclean. They were so concerned about maintaining their cleanliness before God, yet they took no concern over the fact that they have such a hatredness towards Jesus and wish to have him killed. They are willing to even say lies about him in order to fulfill their desires over God’s desires. Do you find that hypocritical? Do you see the double standards? Are we any different?
I remember some childhood memories of our family going to church. Everyone seemed so religious, so sincere with their Christian faith. But outside of church, I’d see a different side of them. People never swore in church. But swore outside of church. Why is that? Why was it wrong to swear in church but not wrong to swear outside of church? We talked about being holy at church, but aren’t we to be holy outside of church as well. We talk about saving ourselves sexually till marriage, but Christians are having sex outside of marriage. Why is that? What other areas do we live double standards? Think about alcohol, gossiping, anger issues, disrespect for authority. We are quick to judge the pastor when he messes up but not so quick to judge ourselves when we mess up. The pastor is supposed to be perfect, but so are we. With the same standard you judge the pastor, you should judge yourselves. If we did that, perhaps we wouldn’t be so judgmental towards others but more compassionate. Before I start to lecture others on how they should live their Christian faith, perhaps I should focus more on myself on how I should be carrying out my faith in Jesus. Where am I struggling with double standards? Let’s be honest. Let’s repent!
