Thursday, May 24, 2007
Totality of Being a Christian
Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, saying: “The scribes and the
Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses; therefore all that they tell
you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds; for
they say things and do not do them.”
Matthew 23:1-3
The Pharisees were strong advocates of orthodoxy in religious observances. But
such strictness was only a cloak worn to appear godly to others.
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and
cummin, 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.”
Matthew 23:23
They neglected to live as they should, while telling others to do so.
THE LESSON
Religious observances are to be performed, but they are not the totality of being
a Christian. Church going, hymn singing, praying, and communion are important, but
they must be accompanied by a lifestyle worthy of our high calling. Christianity is a
way of life. It’s living daily as Christ directs. “Being there every time the church doors
are open” is not enough! Holding others to a strict observance of worship does not
equate to personal fidelity.
... walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called...
Ephesians 4:1
To borrow a saying, “We must walk the talk.”
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