Title: Accidental
Pharisees
Author: Larry Osborne
Pages: 208
Year: 2012
Publisher: Zondervan
Okay, I’ll admit it…I didn’t want to read this book
at first. Why? Probably because I know my tendency to be a
Pharisee in different areas of my life and it is hard to look at honestly. The Lord knows how many times words with an
attitude slip out of my mouth or fingertips when I am typing an email then have
The Spirit touch me. Ouch! Yes, I admit and confess I wrestle with it
often. If it weren’t for God changing me
and continuing to do so, I wouldn’t be transforming to be more like Him. I believe it is probably a lifelong process
to be truthful. Though each day brings
hope, I also have eternal hope because of Christ.
One of the characteristics of this
book that is refreshing is that while peeling away the false layers we hide
behind, the author doesn’t exclude himself.
Like Moses, who interceded for the Israelites, he didn’t place himself
at a distance from them. The author
reminds us that only One is perfect. We
are led by Larry through the Scriptures to see anew the people Jesus never put
out or disowned. In fact, He loved them
right where they were in life. Some
people others thought were useless, but Jesus treated them as useful.
Another characteristic of the book
is the definition of accidental Pharisee: “People like you and me who, despite the best
of intentions and a desire to honor God, unwittingly end pursuing an
overzealous model of faith that sabotages the work of the Lord we think we’re
serving.” (pg 17) What are your thoughts
about this definition?
Some of the author’s conclusions
and thoughts I agreed with and a few I didn’t.
Regardless, what matters is what the Lord speaks. Unlike the Scriptures, which are God-breathed,
this book was written by man who has a sin nature to contend with. This is also true of the men and women in the
Bible. There is only One Word that God
inspired. I learned some new things from
what I read and I am glad. His warning
to watch where we are walking in our heart, thought, and deed we need.
The book is divided up by topic,
then three correlating chapters that end with discussion questions after
reading the third chapter. Again, I am
glad that the author stands beside us in all he portrays about accidental
Pharisees. We need each other to help us
finish our race to the glory of God. You
can read through this book in either small amounts of time or a lump sum. No matter how you read it, I hope that it
speaks to you in some way as it spoke to me.
My rating is 3 ½ stars.
Note: I received a
complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely
my responsibility. Other reviews can be
read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/
. Also follow me on Twitter
@lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457
