Phil and the Pharisees

 

Phil was top dog at work. He’d been there for years and was everybody’s favorite. He loved his job, and he loved his co-workers. Times were good.

But times change and so do people. The boss left, and was replaced by a younger guy. Soon the new boss began hiring younger people. They got chosen for projects Phil used to do. He had to admit they did their jobs well. Still, Phil resented the new boss.

He liked things the way they used to be.

The pharisees liked the status quo, too. They were large and in charge. Then this new guy Jesus comes along with a new Way. And He brought the goods. He spoke with authority, healed the sick, and raised the dead. He became quite popular. People began to turn from the old way.

The religious leaders resented Jesus. Their indignation grew. They plotted ways to kill Him.

They liked things the way they used to be.

Both stories illustrate the pitfalls of pride. Nobody thinks of themselves as a pharisee, but left to our own devices, we want what’s best for us, even when a better way is evident.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves – Paul