The deception of flattery ~ Mike MacIntosh

Then they sent to Him some of the Pharisees and the Herodians, to catch Him in His words. When they had come, they said to Him, "Teacher, we know that You are true, and care about no one; for You do not regard the person of men, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Shall we pay, or shall we not pay?" But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, "Why do you test Me? - Mark 12:13-15

We all need to be cautious of people who use flattery. We are called to be encouraging; we are to build each other up in the faith and be a source of encouragement to others--after all, it's a spiritual gift. Flattery, however, is something entirely different, even though, to the undiscerning, it sounds the same.

Flattery is all about abusing and manipulating your relationship with someone to get your own way. Initially it sounds good to hear flattering words, but after it's all said and done, those words of flattery are like a knife in the back. They're chock-full of pride, deceit, and selfishness. True encouragement is all about serving and lifting up someone else for their benefit, not yours.

The Pharisees and Herodians here are trying to get on Jesus' good side in hopes of finding a fatal flaw in His response. They try to "butter Him up" to make Him feel good about Himself in hopes that they will deceive Him into saying something He'd regret. Jesus sees their sinful plots and flattery and He cuts them to the quick with His response, "Why do you test Me?" In essence He's saying, "Don't you know that I can see through your deception and pride; you cannot use flattering words to get your way."

So take these words to heart in your own life. Don't use flattering words to get your way, or to manipulate a circumstance to your favor, or to align people to your ways or beliefs. Be a person of true, Godly encouragement towards others, not seeking glory or honor from anyone. Gladly, from a sincere and selfless heart, offer encouragement to everyone. And secondly, beware of those who try to use flattery on you. Be discerning and careful not to cave into the deception of others' flattery to wield their ways onto you. Be a person led by the Holy Spirit in all things, and treat others with the kindness respect that is due them.