Thursday 6 Nov 2014

November 6: Matthew 23:1-7

Key Verse: Matthew 23:3
Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.

Devotion:
We have all been there – saying how we will never get as bad as such and such a person, or never to sink as low as them. But how many of you are honest enough to say that you have done that on more than one occasion in a church environment! I know that I have looked at what others do and say that I would never go there. I know that I have said things like that and then gone and done something stupid; and then try to hide what I have done!

Ok, so I have not gone as far as the Scribes and Pharisees seem to go, but then again I have not been placed in the position where they find themselves in. I have led a calm and protected life compared to some of them! I love to be able to think that I am doing things right and that God is pleased with the way that I do things.

I’m sure that I will get to hear about all the pride that I have carried around and all the looks that I have given others. But I do try to balance things out by going back and seeing what I have done so that I can repent and be forgiven. Does that make it right because I know that I am going to be forgiven? Far from it because in my mind that makes me an even bigger sinner than the original.

I love to be able to change the environment that I live so that I will be more willing to get on and do things for Christ instead of against Him! On another occasion Jesus went out to the temple and got rid of all the pride and idolatry that was going on, throwing aside the marketers that came in to treat the temple as just another market place instead of God’s holy house. Having the courage of your convictions and doing instead of just talking is a very big step we all need to take!

Points to Ponder:
Do you tell a good story?

Do you live a good story?