12
The Walls Have Ears
John TiltonLuke 12:1-3
Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.
Two thoughts are shared by Jesus in these scriptures; the yeast or influence of the Pharisees which was not in accordance with the teachings of Jesus, and that fact that those things that people attempt to hide or conceal would be unveiled and become known. It truly is so easy to be unknowingly influenced by others in what they say, resulting in our jumping to conclusions about others or taking on beliefs that draw us away from our own beliefs; it is the yeast that is so miniscule in relation to the overall content, but then has the ability and capacity to influence the whole batch. Then there is the desire often to conceal things in confidence that perhaps one wouldn’t want shared with others, either because it is not edifying, or that it is gossip, sin or beliefs contrary to what we know is righteous. Yet, it is shared in so called confidence. Jesus states clearly that what is meant to be hidden will often be revealed.
The scriptures of this paragraph speak to me about the influence that we are given as staff members and pastors in terms of how what we say and do can and will often influence others. Very often we don’t even know who is watching us, whereupon, it becomes a matter of more that is caught then taught. In addition, we need to also be on guard for those like the Pharisees that can influence us in the wrong way. I have to admit that I am guilty for times in the past when I’ve gotten caught up in conversations that should not have taken place, as well as words that I’ve spoken that were not edifying and not meant to be shared. However, somehow the conversations and words were later revealed. Foot out of mouth time, or wish I could turn back the clock since the result was not righteous, and in fact embarrassing. Easy solution, think before I think. Don’t speak if its not edifying. There’s an old saying, “the walls have ears,” or what we meant to stay within the confines of where and who we were with, went well beyond and afar.
Thank you Lord for yet two more reminders of my shortcomings and how I should and need to be more careful of whom I influence and how I am influenced by others. May I have a Jesus filter via my heart and mind. May I also think before I speak about things, conversations and my words that are not edifying or righteous. You’ve blessed me with a certain degree of influence and authority. I pray that I would steward it well.
