There is that one family member who walks to the beat of a different drummer but who seems to have a kind heart IF we pay attention. But it is more fun to make fun of them.

We can do all the right things and still be criticized. So we fight back by criticizing others to take the attention from ourselves.

There is a way to “get the prize” in a contest of sorts, but it will mean compromising our integrity a bit to attain it.

We have the means to defeat our opponent but it would not be a fair fight if we followed that path. AND we would not accomplish the ultimate mission we professed we believed.

Life stuff. Stuff we deal with every day. What do we do? What do we do as followers of Christ? What do we do with Jesus? This was the question asked by Pilate. Maybe it is a question that must begin each day’s thought process as we walk with Jesus, the Christ, the proclaimed LORD of our lives. What do we do with Jesus as we set our priorities for the day? What do we do with Jesus in every decision we must make for today? Who is in control?

Matthew 27, The Message

Pilate
11 Jesus was placed before the governor, who questioned him: “Are you the ‘King of the Jews’?”

Jesus said, “If you say so.”

12-14 But when the accusations rained down hot and heavy from the high priests and religious leaders, he said nothing. Pilate asked him, “Do you hear that long list of accusations? Aren’t you going to say something?” Jesus kept silence—not a word from his mouth. The governor was impressed, really impressed.

15-18 It was an old custom during the Feast for the governor to pardon a single prisoner named by the crowd. At the time, they had the infamous Jesus Barabbas in prison. With the crowd before him, Pilate said, “Which prisoner do you want me to pardon: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus the so-called Christ?” He knew it was through sheer spite that they had turned Jesus over to him.

19 While court was still in session, Pilate’s wife sent him a message: “Don’t get mixed up in judging this noble man. I’ve just been through a long and troubled night because of a dream about him.”

20 Meanwhile, the high priests and religious leaders had talked the crowd into asking for the pardon of Barabbas and the execution of Jesus.

21 The governor asked, “Which of the two do you want me to pardon?”

They said, “Barabbas!”

22 “Then what do I do with Jesus, the so-called Christ?”

They all shouted, “Nail him to a cross!”

23 He objected, “But for what crime?”

But they yelled all the louder, “Nail him to a cross!”

24 When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere and that a riot was imminent, he took a basin of water and washed his hands in full sight of the crowd, saying, “I’m washing my hands of responsibility for this man’s death. From now on, it’s in your hands. You’re judge and jury.”

25 The crowd answered, “We’ll take the blame, we and our children after us.”

26 Then he pardoned Barabbas. But he had Jesus whipped, and then handed over for crucifixion.

Dear Heavenly Father, The question we must all ask ourselves, is not to be taken lightly. What do I do with Jesus, the Christ, the Lord of my life? We must avoid, at all costs, letting the crowd make that decision for us. Help us stand firm in Jesus. Help us nail down our pride, jealousy, hate, whiny attitudes, indecisiveness, envy to the Cross of Christ. When even one of those sins creeps up and rears it’s ugly head, quickly help us nail it down again. Help us to keep our steps in sync with You. Don’t allow us to let anything or anyone get in the way of a continuous walk with You. Yes, this is what I will do with Jesus. IN JESUS NAME, AMEN.