Reading: Luke 12:1-12

Confess — “to declare openly”

I automatically think of this as something to be done with my mouth. And of course that’s true.

This morning, though, I’m reminded that my life also declares many things openly.

Just what do my choices, my attitudes, and my values declare?

What do I declare with my face? With my driving? With my purchases? With my entertainment? (And on and on and on the questions go!)

“Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God” (8).

I want my whole life to be an open declaration of Jesus!

In the marketplace, yes. On the highway, yes. At my computer, yes. At church and work and school, yes. At home, yes. Especially at home!

Here’s the same truth, this time recorded by John:

Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also” (1 John 2:23).

Acknowledgeth here translates the same Greek word as shall confess does in Luke 12:8.

Declare Him openly, Mark!

from Luke 12:2

A little bit more from Luke 12: Of More Value Than

Reading: Luke 11:45-54

Husband, father, principal, teacher, field director, chairman, foreman, employer — over the years I have put plenty of burdens on others.

Two of my guiding principles are found in verse 46:

“And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers.”

Principle #1: Do not put on those under my authority any burden which I myself have not already carried.

Principle #2: Do not put on them any unjust or impossible-to-bear burden.

It strikes me this morning, though, that I need to apply these same principles in my other relationships.

Extension #1: Do not expect of others that which I do not first expect of myself.

Extension #2: Do not expect of others more than they are able to deliver.

Let me see if I can come up with two short examples.

Example #1: Don’t expect my brother to see the bright side in his trial if I indulge discouragement in my own difficulties.

Example #2: Don’t expect a young person to be as stable and steady as some thrice the age.

So, in authority or not, be careful in your expectations of others. The burden is first on you.

from Luke 11:49

A little bit more from Luke 11: Don’t Be a Hindrance!