In Luke 7:36-50 NLT, we are presented with a stark contrast between Simon the Pharisee and the unnamed sinful woman. The story takes place in Simon's house, where he had invited Jesus to dine with him. Yet, it was not out of genuine interest or belief in Jesus, but rather with an evaluative mindset. Simon, in a way, was trying to "interview" Jesus, to see if He truly fit the bill of a prophet or the Messiah. He, like many other religious leaders of the time, was skeptical and kept Jesus at arm's length. On the other hand, the sinful woman, knowing her unworthiness and the weight of her sins, approached Jesus with genuine humility and desperation. She did not come to test or interview Jesus but to pour out her love, appreciation, and repentance at His feet.

The Act of True Repentance and Forgiveness

The sinful woman's actions toward Jesus — weeping, washing His feet with her tears, and anointing them with expensive perfume — were outward expressions of her deep internal repentance. While Simon merely provided a meal, this woman gave her all, showcasing her understanding of Jesus' true identity and power. When Simon inwardly judged her, Jesus highlighted the disparity between the two by pointing out the lack of basic hospitality Simon showed Him, in comparison to the extravagant love the woman displayed. Jesus' response to the woman, "Your sins are forgiven," demonstrates the depth of God's grace and mercy. No sin is too great for God's forgiveness, and it is available to everyone, regardless of their past.

A Call to Genuine Relationship with Jesus

This passage serves as a profound reminder of how we ought to approach Jesus. It's not with a sense of skepticism, like Simon, but with a genuine heart that recognizes its own shortcomings and is eager to experience His transformative love. Jesus is not a figure to be interrogated or tested, but one to be loved, honored, and followed. The woman's actions underscore the value of genuine repentance and the immeasurable grace Jesus offers. Through her, we see that the weight of our sins should not deter us from seeking Jesus; instead, they should drive us toward Him, knowing that He is the only one capable of granting the forgiveness and peace we so deeply crave.

Just a thought,

PSS

In order to serve God, we must all realize it is going to cost us something. It will at times cost us our desires, our will; at times it will require a sacrifice.

The sacrifice:

A sacrifice is not really a sacrifice unless something means a lot to us — unless we really want to do something. It’s something we give up for someone or something else. If it doesn’t mean anything to us, it’s not really a sacrifice at all.

He paid it all:

Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay His head” (Matthew 8:20 NLT). Following Jesus will not always be easy or comfortable. It will often require great sacrifice of what we want, and doing what God’s word teaches. Following Christ, to do what He asks, may cost us popularity, friendship, leisure time, or convenience.

Pay the price:

The price of following Christ is saying and doing, Not my will, but let His will be done. It is our choice! Too many of us believe we can follow Christ, and do whatever we want. We follow Christ, and do what He requires us to do. It is our choice. Whatever we are unwilling to let go of may be the very thing that costs us our eternal salvation.

Being a disciple of Christ may not always be easy, but it will always be worth it. Again, it is our choice.

Just a thought,

PSS

Materialism: a tendency to consider material possessions and physical comfort as more important than spiritual values.

Material mindset:

This is really the thing that defines our society as a whole. This mindset has also crept into the Church as well, where people seek to possess things, to have more stuff rather than have a true relationship with God.

Needs vs wants:

God promises to meet our needs if we seek Him first — if we make a decision that He comes before anything else. So many get discouraged, maybe even disillusioned with God, because they don’t have everything they want. There is a difference between needs and wants. A need is a basic necessity of life (food, clothing, shelter). A want is anything outside of a need.

Biblical mindset: 

You can’t allow yourself to be disappointed in God because you believe He hasn’t lived up to what you think the Bible teaches. So much of what we believe is not biblical. I call this a fake faith. A fake faith is believing in something God never said. God will perform only His word. He can’t perform someone else’s word — only His. Much of what people believe today about God is not in His word, made-up fables that cause people to be discouraged. God promises to meet our needs if we keep His word. His word teaches we must tithe (10% of our income goes to the Church, nowhere else), then give offerings. His promises are conditional — certain conditions have to be met, then He becomes your provider.

Let’s learn what the Bible actually teaches and then become doers of that. I believe what we will discover is a very loving, merciful God who does care about us.

Just a thought,

PSS

Self-reliance and serving God are concepts that stand in stark contrast within the Christian worldview. Self-reliance — the principle of depending on one’s own capabilities, judgments, and resources — fosters a sense of autonomy and self-sufficiency. This individualistic approach often leads to a belief in one’s ability to control and navigate life's circumstances without external aid, overshadowing the need for divine intervention and guidance. It propagates the illusion of human independence and can result in a life directed by self-interest and personal ambition, potentially veering one away from the moral and spiritual compass provided by faith in God.

Conversely, serving God is anchored in humility, submission, and a profound acknowledgment of human limitations. It involves surrendering one’s will, desires, and understanding to the omnipotent, omniscient Creator, trusting in His wisdom, provision, and purpose above all. Serving God implies living in alignment with His principles and commands, seeking His glory rather than personal acclaim. It nurtures a dependence on God's strength rather than one’s own, recognizing that true fulfillment and purpose are found not in self but in a vibrant, obedient relationship with the Creator. This divine service directs one’s life towards love, righteousness, and eternal values, in contrast to the temporal, self-centered pursuits inherent in self-reliance.

The tension between self-reliance and serving God reveals the ongoing spiritual battle within the human heart between pride and humility, self-will and submission. While self-reliance elevates the self, serving God elevates the divine, transcending human understanding and capabilities. The pursuit of God's will and the service to His kingdom necessitate the dethroning of the self, replacing self-reliance with a reliance on God. This symbiotic relationship with the divine allows for a transformation of the heart and mind, facilitating a life of enduring peace, joy, and purpose, illuminated by the eternal light of divine truth and love.

Just a thought,

PSS

The victim mentality is a pervasive mindset where an individual consistently sees themself as a victim, regardless of the actual circumstances. This mindset can manifest in feelings of powerlessness, a belief that the world is against them, and a tendency to blame external factors for personal setbacks. Such a perspective can trap an individual in a cycle of negativity, preventing them from recognizing their own agency and the potential for change.

God's Word offers a powerful antidote to this self-defeating mindset. Throughout the Bible, there are countless stories of individuals who, despite facing genuine adversity, relied on their faith and God's promises to rise above their circumstances. Joseph, for instance, was sold into slavery and unjustly imprisoned, yet he maintained his faith, recognizing God's hand in all events of his life. His story in Genesis reminds us that even in the face of grave injustice, one can find purpose and meaning through God's greater plan. Similarly, scriptures such as Romans 8:28, which assures us that "all things work together for good to those who love God," encourage believers to view challenges not as perpetual victimhood but as part of a divine narrative.

To overcome the victim mentality with the Word of God, one must immerse themself in the scriptures, drawing strength from the promises and testimonies contained within. Regular prayer, meditation on the Word, and fellowship with other believers can reinforce a mindset of empowerment, resilience, and hope. By internalizing God's unconditional love and purpose for each individual, one can transition from seeing themself as a perpetual victim to recognizing their identity as beloved children of God, equipped with the strength to overcome any challenge.

Just a thought,

PSS