Matthew 23: 1-4- Hypocrites

Matthew 23: 1-4- 

Jesus spends all but the last few verses of this chapter calling out the scribes and Pharisees. He is looking at their behavior and the intent of their hearts. 

In verses 1 through 4, Jesus does not mince any words, ‘Then Jesus said to the crowds and to His disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’s seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger.’ 

For me the key sentence says, “For they preach, but do not practice.” As we grow and learn God’s principles, we learn what to say and how to live those principles. Actually practicing those principles in our daily lives, consistently over time, is what really shows the intent of our hearts and the intent of our belief. Jesus knew the scribes and Pharisees were not living out their belief day-in and day-out. They could talk the talk but did not walk the walk. 

That is our challenge as true Christians. Are we walking the walk? We see religious leaders today who are not walking the walk, and many are disappointed in what they see when it is revealed they are being hypocrites in their lives. We need to focus on ourselves and focus on being consistent and living out our beliefs every day. I think I need to continually examine my motivations and my intents so I can work to avoid a hypocritical life. 

Am I consistently and daily living the life Jesus wants to see in me? That is my daily question. 

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