Familiarity Breeds Contempt

Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him (Mk. 6:3 ESV).

The familiar phrase “familiarity breeds contempt” summarizes the reality that the more familiar we are with something, the more likely we are to despise, or overlook, its true value. This statement aligns with truth revealed in the scriptures, so we must always watch our hearts.

This is evident in our attitude towards other believers, especially the servants God uses to bless our lives. The Lord will often use the people around you as a vehicle to bless your life. Your ability to see God in these men and women determines if you will receive God’s blessings.

When Jesus showed up in His childhood town of Nazareth, the friends and neighbors of His boyhood rejected the wisdom and authority they heard in His speech, as well as the miracles they witnessed Him perform. They asked “is not this the Carpenter, the Son of Mary?” and mentioned His sisters and brothers. This familiarity with Him blinded their eyes to the reality of who He really was, as well as how God could use Him to bless them. We know of men of God alive today who are rejected by their own countrymen, but are a tremendous blessing to those from other nations. Be aware of your attitude towards the familiar people in your life. Do not despise the vessels God might use to bring you a blessing.

MEDITATE

Why do you think familiarity causes us to despise God’s vessels?

APPLY THE WORD

A prevailing example we are all acquainted with is our attitude towards our own pastor. Are you allowing the familiarity of your pastor’s weaknesses to blind you to what God is doing through them?

PRAY

Pray and sincerely ask the Lord to help you not to fall prey to this old enemy of our progress.

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