Possibly, you've seen the picture of Pope Francis washing the feet of 12 inmates on Maunday Thursday, reenacting Jesus' actions for His disciples. You may also have seen headlines that described the Pope as humble and servant-minded. My aim today is to take the actions of the Pope and the Catholic church and compare them to Scripture, seeing if humility is truly the correct label.
Matthew 6:1 says, "Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven." Upon seeing this photo, my first thought was not directed towards the act, but the approach. While feet washing is a wonderful display of humility and servitude, doing so in front of photographers and videographers is anything but. Colossians 2:18 warns us to beware of those who take, "delight in false humility." False humility has an appearance of righteousness, but inwardly is destructive pride. Do not be deceived, any human (even the Pope himself) who does his good deeds to be seen by men, is not walking in the steps of Jesus.
Luke 20:46 says, "Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces. the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts." Do any of these descriptions fit Catholic leaders? The attire that is worn and objects that are carried by Popes and other church leaders is appalling, especially when they are to be the picture of Christ and humility. To see people bow to the Pope and kiss his ring, as though he were some god, cause me concern. Have we not read how Paul and Barnabas responded when those in Lystra began to worship them? Acts 14:15a says, "Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you." Even the angel in Revelation 22:9 would not accept such treatment, saying, "See that you do not do that. For I am your fellows servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God." It would do us all well to remember such words. God alone is to be worshipped and bowed down to. All others are men, fallen men, who are worthless without our Savior.
We must open our eyes to understand what true humility and servitude is and what it is not. Without the aid of Scripture we can and will be easily misguided. Neither the Pope nor the Catholic church promote Scriptural meekness, but a pride that is veiled in false humility. May your eyes see clearly to discern right from wrong.
Luke 20:46 says, "Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces. the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts." Do any of these descriptions fit Catholic leaders? The attire that is worn and objects that are carried by Popes and other church leaders is appalling, especially when they are to be the picture of Christ and humility. To see people bow to the Pope and kiss his ring, as though he were some god, cause me concern. Have we not read how Paul and Barnabas responded when those in Lystra began to worship them? Acts 14:15a says, "Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you." Even the angel in Revelation 22:9 would not accept such treatment, saying, "See that you do not do that. For I am your fellows servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God." It would do us all well to remember such words. God alone is to be worshipped and bowed down to. All others are men, fallen men, who are worthless without our Savior.
We must open our eyes to understand what true humility and servitude is and what it is not. Without the aid of Scripture we can and will be easily misguided. Neither the Pope nor the Catholic church promote Scriptural meekness, but a pride that is veiled in false humility. May your eyes see clearly to discern right from wrong.
No comments:
Post a Comment