In Luke 16:15, Jesus called out a group of well-respected men. “You justify yourselves before men; but God knows your hearts. That which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.”
These men were saving face – they’d gotten good at saving face. They kept their family names on honour by letting everything good they did be well known, and keeping their secret faults well hidden.
Saving face is like just trimming back the weeds in your garden Because pulling the weeds by the roots would make the garden look bad. It’s like refusing to treat a wound because it hurts to do so. For those familiar with Veggie Tales, it’s like letting a cute little fib grow into a giant monster that dictates every choice you make.
When Jesus called out the Pharisees for saving face, He was showing them the door to freedom.
Zaccheus went through the door to freedom. He confessed his wrongs and did what he could to make them right. It hurt. Joy and freedom followed. Now we respect his name.
Many of the Pharisees refused the door to freedom. They kept saving face, until putting Jesus to death was the only way to keep saving face a little longer.
I’ve been to many concerts – seen a lot of talent. A lot of them were great, but one stands out above the others. The concert was by Michael Harris. He opened by singing the song “I Need Thee Every Hour” in a way that made it obvious that he meant those words.
We’re all broken. Wet all need God’s constant help. Acknowledging this is freeing and ennobling, and opens the door for true blessing.
