Daily Walk Through the New Testament

July 13
Read Luke 11:37-12:7

Secrets are things we know and most other people do not know. But nothing is secret when it comes to the Lord. Jesus said, “Whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light” (Luke 12:3).
Hypocrisy is just another secret. It is the secret that results from the fear of people. We think, “in order to be accepted, I must live a secret life. I will put on display a life that appears to be one thing while truth is hidden within.” When we live for the approval of people, we will do whatever it takes to maintain that approval. We will lie, cheat, and steal.
The story is told of a faithful pastor who once came to a breaking point in ministry. He was trying so hard to please others that he was failing in his objective and calling. One morning he read Galatians 1:10 which says, “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God?” A powerful reality dawned on him. He thought, “I am a servant of God, not people. If I live to please people, I cannot serve God.” God’s Word reminded him to avoid the hypocrisy of trying to be something he was not and to be who God called hm to be.
Today, which is stronger in your heart: the fear of people or the fear of God? Whom are you serving, and what is your motivation?