"Holy Spirit" Isn't the Name on Your Driver's License
She sat directly in front of me, nervous, scared and frustrated - rejected by those who claimed to be friends. And if rejection in itself wasn’t enough, it was accompanied by accusation, judgment and criticism. She had been labeled as bitter and unforgiving, when those flinging the accusations were themselves withholding forgiveness. Upon humbling herself, asking for forgiveness for the apparent offense she had inflicted, she was asked to jump through various hoops in an apparent game of “I’ll forgive you once you’ve earned it.” She was devastated, tired, and didn’t know what to do.
This story is illustrative of one too many situations witnessed over the years in the church world - blatantly displaying our fallen nature as we mistakenly take on the role of God and the Holy Spirit. The payoff is never what you think it will be, as it is always void of emotional and spiritual health, resulting in nothing less than broken relationships, offense, hurt, woundedness, and even devastated ministries. There's no need to wait for the enemy to take others out, when we do such a good job of it ourselves. We’ve become, what author and pastor Larry Osborne describes as an “Accidental Pharisee.”
What is an Accidental Pharisee? It’s someone who has taken on the role of judge, prosecutor, and jury. Sometimes an Accidental Pharisee is very vocal – giving a voice to their judgments and accusations – pointing the finger with righteous indignation. Other times, the Accidental Pharisee isn’t audibly heard, as he or she is content with keeping their judgmental opinions to themselves – criticizing everything from motives and condition of hearts, to tattoos, clothing and habits. And finally, sometimes the Accidental Pharisee whispers their “findings” to other Accidental Pharisees – looking for others with whom to share their amazing godly insights.
When my boys were young, during a heated argument, at the top of his lungs, 5 year-old Zach screamed to 9 year-old Adam, “You can’t tell me what to do! You’re not the Holy Spirit!!!” After I stopped laughing, I realized Zach had a point. Who are we to judge one other or tell them what to do, especially when we haven't been asked to do so? Who are we to determine the condition of their hearts? Since when have we become capable of measuring the holiness of other’s lives, determining their spiritual condition in the process? It’s time to realize that it’s not our place to make others jump through hoops. For goodness sake, God Himself doesn’t make us jump through hoops! And on a lighter note, who made us the fashion, tattoo, and appearance police?!
I’m the first to admit….I’m guilty. I may not say it out loud, but too often I make judgments. When I catch myself doing so, I am embarrassed and remorseful – as I know I’ve become an Accidental Pharisee. Who made me the boss? As far as I can remember, the name “Holy Spirit” isn’t on my driver’s license, therefore I have no right to neither judge or convict. I don’t know their story and I certainly don’t know all of the factors as to why they do what they do.
The Reverend Billy Graham once stated, “It’s the Holy Spirit’s job to convict, God’s job to judge, and my job to love.” With this in mind, what the heck are we doing? When we convict or judge, we attempt to take on the roles of the Holy Spirit and God, dethroning them from their rightful place, and elevating ourselves to a position that isn’t ours. We’re determining that we should take care of the situation, because God Himself might just forget to do so. Seriously?
As Pastor Graham so perfectly stated, the only job we’ve been given is to love. We can relieve ourselves of any other burdens. There is no need to rebuke, correct or dismiss. No need to judge or measure. And certainly no need to declare what hoops need to be navigated. All we need to do is love as Jesus loves us. This both frees and enables us to live out John 13:34-35: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” We are empowered to make a difference, demonstrating the reason Jesus came to earth – simply as a result of His love for us.
It’s time that we pull out our driver’s license and take a look at the name on the front. What does it say? Chances are “Holy Spirit” isn’t the name listed.
With the freedom Christ offers, we are fully available to “Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that you will not be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” This gives us the ability to “spur one another on” towards good works, not with judgment and criticism, but with encouragement and motivation. Calling out giftings, abilities, and Christ in others is not only more effective, but a heck of a lot more powerful, as the empowerment comes from the Father and Holy Spirit – not ourselves. Confidence will soar. Leaders will be discovered. Growth will occur. And relationships will be strengthened as opposed to destroyed and damaged.
Since "Holy Spirit” is definitely not on my Driver’s License, today I declare that I will encourage others. I will motivate, enrich and release. I will love and bless. I will not let today go by without making a positive difference. I will pray for and refuse to talk about others. I will not judge. I will not criticize. I will not suppose nor assume. I will leave all judgments and convictions up to God and the Holy Spirit. The only thing I will do is that which I have been called to do – love as Jesus loves me.
