Ezekiel 14:3 “Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I let them inquire of me at all?”

This is a very interesting section. Some of the elders of the exiles had come to Ezekiel in a show of piety, but God knew everything in their hearts and lives, and He wasn’t about to be taken in. The same sort of thing happens today, with people making a show of being on the church board and the like, all the while they are living in direct opposition to God. Today (at least in America) they wouldn’t have religious idols actually installed in their homes, but any of a number of things could well be an idol in their heart. It’s interesting to note that in verses 9 and 10 it goes on to say that the minister who swallows the hypocrisy is in deep trouble too. God is not to be trifled with! It is actually amazing, when you think about it, that so many people seem to think they can manipulate God and use Him for their ends. Trying to do that will be the end of them! As David recognized, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17) Humility is essential!

This is dangerous territory for me, because I am all too familiar with spiritual pride in my own heart. That makes it fairly easy for me to spot such pride in others, but I must never respond in a “holier-than-thou” fashion. I know how dangerous hypocrisy can be from my own experience, and so need to be merciful toward others. Sometimes the Lord gives me, or particularly my wife, a “word of know­ledge” (1 Corinthians 12:8) about someone, filling us in on what they have been doing in secret (or so they think). We are always to seek God’s wisdom and guidance as to what to do with that information, but we are never to take it lightly. In the past, some people have responded in repentance and some have responded by getting away from us. Repentance is always the desirable outcome! However, that will not happen unless we speak the truth in love, however much it might shock them that we know it.

Father, I’ve been on the receiving end of such experiences, as well as on the giving end. May I always operate in humility and love, continuing to grow as well as helping others to grow, for the sake of the Body of Christ and for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!