One of the more insidious pitfalls in the spiritual life is the desire to make our own rules. I suppose it can be considered an offshoot of pride, but the idea that I always know what is best, or that I can follow God’s instructions selectively, never works out well in the end. The Old Testament is full of examples of God’s people choosing their own way over God’s explicit way, the negative consequences that followed, and God’s mercy despite their disobedience.
The Pharisees seemed to follow this dysfunctional pattern. They were leaders who lacked leadership. They set difficult rules for the people and didn’t follow those rules themselves. They decided their way was the right way and blinded themselves to the truth to such an extent that they literally couldn’t recognize God in their midst.
While it’s easy to point fingers at the Pharisees and their prideful stubbornness, they reflect the fallen nature in all of us. We, too, insist our way is better and fail to see God with every sinful word and action.
So today I must ask myself: in what ways do I insist that my way is better than God’s? Am I open to God’s will even if it comes in an unexpected or humbling form? Do I set an example for those around me, or are there ways I lead others astray?
Una de las trampas más insidiosas en la vida espiritual es el deseo de hacer nuestras propias reglas. Supongo que se puede considerar una rama del orgullo, pero la idea de que siempre sé lo que es mejor, o que puedo seguir las instrucciones de Dios de manera selectiva, nunca funciona bien al final. El Antiguo Testamento está lleno de ejemplos del pueblo de Dios eligiendo su propio camino sobre el camino explícito de Dios, las consecuencias negativas que siguieron y la misericordia de Dios a pesar de su desobediencia.
Los fariseos parecían seguir este patrón disfuncional. Eran líderes que carecían de liderazgo. Establecieron reglas difíciles para la gente que ellos mismos no siguieron. Decidieron que su camino era el correcto y se cegaron a la verdad hasta tal punto que literalmente no pudieron reconocer a Dios en medio de ellos.
Si bien es fácil señalar con el dedo a los fariseos y su terquedad orgullosa, ellos reflejan la naturaleza caída en todos nosotros. Nosotros también insistimos en que nuestro camino es mejor y fallamos en ver a Dios con cada palabra y acción pecaminosa.
Así que hoy debo preguntarme: ¿de cuál forma insisto que mi manera es mejor que la de Dios? ¿Estoy abierto a la voluntad de Dios incluso si se presenta de forma inesperada o humillante? ¿Son un ejemplo para los que me rodean, o hay formas en que desvío a otros?
J.M. Pallas has had a lifelong love of Scriptures. When she is not busy with her vocation as a wife and mother to her “1 Samuel 1” son, or her vocation as a public health educator, you may find her at her parish women’s bible study, affectionately known as “The Bible Chicks.”
Feature Image Credit: Beth Macdonald, unsplash.com/photos/P3rS8J1THi4
Dakota lives in Denver, CO with her husband, Ralph, and their two sons, Alfie & Theophilus. She is the Dean of Enrollment Management for Bishop Machebeuf High School where her husband also teaches. You can find Dakota at the zoo or a brewery with her family or with her nose in a book at home. For more of Dakota’s writing check out 
Sheryl is happy to be the number 1 cheerleader and supporter for her husband, Tom who is a candidate for the Permanent Diaconate in the Diocese of Kalamazoo. They are so grateful for the opportunity to grow together in this process. Sheryl’s day job is serving her community as the principal for St. Therese Catholic School in Wayland, Michigan. Since every time she thinks she gets life all figured out, she realizes just how far she has to go, St. Rita of Cascia is her go-to Saint for intercession and help. Home includes Carlyn, a very, very goofy Golden Retriever and Lucy, our not-so-little rescue puppy. 