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Saturday, May 29, 2010

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Jude 17, 20-25
Psalm 63:2-6
Mark 11:27-33

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the games christians play

"Then neither will I tell you on what authority I do the things I do." —Mark 11:33

The religious leaders of Jesus' time asked Him: "On what authority are You doing these things?" (Mk 11:28) Jesus could have told the religious leaders about His divine authority. He could have also given them authority in His name over every disease and demon (see Mt 10:1). However, Jesus neither answered their question nor gave them a share in His authority because they refused to be honest with Him. When Jesus asked the religious leaders about the origin of John's baptism, they "played politics" rather than answer Him directly.

We will never understand or exercise true authority if we are playing games with God. Some of the games Christians play are: "politics," "hypocrite," "denial," "martyr," "savior," "victim," "innocent," etc. If we try to play games with God, we will never know His authority or our own. So let's quit dabbling in Christianity. Let's repent of being lukewarm (see Rv 3:16). Let's forget about how we look to other people. Let's live for God alone. When we do this, our Christian life will manifest an authority that we have never thought possible.

Prayer:  Father, make me straightforward "in the midst of a twisted and depraved generation" (Phil 2:15).

Promise:  "There is One Who can protect you from a fall and make you stand unblemished and exultant in the presence of His glory." —Jude 24

Praise:  It was after expressing her disappointment to God that Sylvia was set free and moved in greater power in the Spirit.

Reference:  (For a related teaching, order our leaflet, Seek First The Kingdom.)

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 9, 2009

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