For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy. (Mark 15:10)

Satan could not conquer the Pharisees through the lusts of the flesh, and perhaps not through covetousness (although the Scripture testifies that the Pharisees were covetous). But through the pride of life, through envy, Satan was able to deceive the religious leaders into murdering their Christ.

The secular Pilate understood that their motive was envy. We of the churches need to realize the world is able to discern our impure motives. We are deceiving no one except ourselves.

Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, distinguished leaders of Israel, were tempted to act presumptuously against Moses and Aaron:

And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the Lord? (Numbers 16:3)

Notice the "democratic" emphasis here: "all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them." The "sin" of Moses and Aaron, according to the rebels, was that they lifted themselves "above the congregation of the Lord."

The emphasis on "human rights" is increasing in our time. One of the great errors of today is that of not exerting necessary rulership. Leaders in many fields of endeavor are becoming less willing to take charge in an authoritative manner. They are being forced to gain the approval of the group before they can act. This can be observed in the armed forces of the United States where the commands of the officers are often obeyed in a less than diligent manner a far cry from what used to be the case.

It may be noticed that as the governments of the democratic nations yield increasingly to the pressure coming from various interest groups of the population, other strong forces, such as the media, are rushing in to fill the power vacuum. This always will happen. If the appointed leaders are not strong enough to govern, another power group will step in and manipulate the people according to their own desires. Because of the spiritual pressure that hovers over the earth it is impossible for a power vacuum to continue.

We can observe the Christian ministers as they preach in a manner calculated to gain the approval of their listeners. The successful pastor or teacher is the one who gains the largest following. The emphasis is on "positive" preaching preaching that minimizes the sins and disobediences of the believers. Some corporations are selling seminars for pastors which teach them how to use modern managerial techniques to build their churches.

Such efforts are less than worthless in the Kingdom of God. Those who engage in them are failing God and man. In their efforts to court the good opinion of their hearers they are neglecting to present the whole counsel of God. They are anxious to please people but not anxious to please God. They are not true and faithful witnesses.

To be continued.