“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law; justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.” Matt. 23:23
Today’s Christian Daily Devotional
The Pharisees in Jesus’ day were the pictures of “religious perfection”. They had the perfect “church” language, did all the perfect “church” deeds and wore the perfect “church” clothes. Yet, Jesus saw through their spotless garments and peered into their filthy souls. And He was disgusted.
To the human eye, these men seemed to be doing all the right things, but to the eyes of the Son of God, the intention of the heart behind their actions mattered more.
Have you ever been served by a waitress that thinks she is “above” her job? Nothing ruins a night out faster than a person with an attitude taking your order. You are bothering them by expecting them to do their job. By the end of the meal, your relaxing night has just gone out the door because you felt you had to apologize for being a patron! A person in the service industry should have the heart to serve others.
The Pharisees had an attitude and felt they were entitled to it because, technically, they followed all the church rules to the “T”. But, they forgot the most important part—their heart! There is no higher service than serving God. According to God’s word being a loving, kind and merciful human are His minimum job requirements. (For those who claim to love and serve Him.)
God never intended man to become a religious robot with a heart of stone. Jesus condemned it in His day, and if He were on earth today, (because He is the same yesterday, today and forever) His stance on the matter wouldn’t have budged.
Ask yourself this question: Are you a religious elitist? Do feel you do everything right and look down on others? This kind of attitude is a disgrace to God’s name as we are all dust that requires the mercy and grace of God just to suck in oxygen. Let’s remember what we were saved from, look to others who are struggling and actually do something to help, not hurt them.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
Forgive me. Sometimes I can feel my own self-righteousness rise up in my chest the moment I see activities that I know you do not approve of. Lord, you are the ONLY judge. Forgive me as my attitude shows that I have a heart that believes that I am better than another human sinner.
Lord, we are all filthy in your eyes. The only thing that can separate one sinner from another is the blood of your dear Son, Jesus. Thank you Lord that I am cleansed in that blood. Thank you for saving me from so much. Help me to remember I can never be a good witness for you if I chose to be judgmental. I give all my harsh criticisms, self-righteousness and pride to you. In Jesus’ precious name, bless me never to forget what you saved me from, Amen.”
Thank you for reading today’s daily devotional. Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan