Every now and then, someone in our ministry proclaims that we act differently when we are alone than when we are with the ministry. My brothers, this should not be. We must rid ourselves of this fresh and salt water mixture that is in our lives. James 3:10-11.

We cannot be like the Pharisees in the bible and phony religious people who populate this world, who on the surface appear okay, but are really whitewashed tombs full of dead men's bones on the inside. Matthew 23:27.

Our righteousness must surpass theirs. Agree? Matthew 5:20.

From the way we may treat our wives, are abusive with our family members, lack self-control, have fits of rage, are vague, tolerate nonsense, treat our children poorly, are loose with our convictions at home, etc.; we must be a ministry that is set apart from the world, and stand out as the light of the world. Matthew 5:14.

We are going to have to be more sensitive to what the Spirit would have us do when we are away from the body.

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Philippians 2:12-13.

The standard of the bible is not only to obey when people are present, but much more in their absence. It is the exact opposite of what we are doing! As for me, I am going to embrace this new season of paying closer attention to my actions when away from the body. Perhaps we all can do this and in doing so, become more than the religious pretenders.

May we be more like Jesus: the same yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13:8. May we be the same in person as in letter. And may we live lives that aren't phony like all the so-called “churches” where people come with their masks on, give some hugs, smile for a few hours and then return back to their sinful lives as soon as they exit.

Remember, “...as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence...”