“The Pharisees and the teachers of the Law are experts in the Law of Moses. So obey everything they teach you, but don’t do as they do. After all, they say one thing and do something else.
They pile heavy burdens on people’s shoulders and won’t lift a finger to help. Everything they do is just to show off in front of others. They even make a big show of wearing Scripture verses on their foreheads and arms, and they wear big tassels for everyone to see. They love the best seats at banquets and the front seats in the meeting places. And when they are in the market, they like to have people greet them as their teachers.” Matthew 23: 2-7 [CEV]
Are you religious? People used to ask me that, and I would say yes - perhaps it is a discussion starter which needs a little further explanation. Religion has a bad name in the 21st Century. Religion and Education, Religion and Politics, Religion and Global Business…..
There was a specific problem in the time of Jesus - the Pharisees and teachers of the law were saying one thing and doing another. Easily done, and I have been a card-carrying member of that club on too many occasions. But God is not impressed by this, he cuts through to the core with a discernment we can only imagine.
Action:
Examine your heart - are you living up to the things you know to be true? Are you in a position of leadership or teaching? Is your Religion an expression of your heart or are you acting out a routine that is far from an outward expression of your inner faith? Take a step towards being more faithful and less religious today. Show your religion by your actions, your spending and your kindness today.
Prayer:
Lord, examine my heart and undertake any surgery necessary to restore it to the way it ought to be. Help me to guard against hypocrisy, pride and showiness. Make me humble and purify my core today. In Jesus name, Amen.
Dave MacLellan
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