These are the humbling words of my roommate, said when I came home after talking with my pastor at church.

And it makes sense. For most people, even if they’re not consciously seeking for pastoral approval, approval is what they want at heart. They don’t really want to be corrected. Instead, they present their affairs from a biased perspective, in hopes of winning the pastor to their side. They might even wisely proclaim that it’s sinful to gossip to friends and family, then make the mistake of gossipping to their pastor, tricking themselves into thinking they are seeking his advice.

They pretend to be humble and holy while talking to their pastor, but their hearts are drowning in pride and prejudice, and they are absolutely blind to it. If their pastor corrects them, they may only pick and choose what they want to hear. If their pastor affirms them, then they drown a little more in their self-righteousness. Like a Pharisee.

I did some thinking and reflection after that night, and even though I saw things eye to eye with my pastor, I still had to repent and ask God to forgive me. My heart was more concerned about seeking my pastor’s approval than his wisdom.

Thanks for keeping me in check, roomie!