Believe and Behave

Matthew 23:23-24

I think it’s easy to believe sometimes that carrying a title means also operating in it. To be a coach of a sport comes with the assumption that you have played the sport before and so you have experience. As a coach you keep practicing so you can keep up with your team. You set the tone of hard work and effectiveness. 

So when you read about the scribes and Pharisees you would expect them to operate under the same authority and rule they bring upon others. Although, Jesus’ message to them in Matthew 23 is anything but that. He has a STRONG word for the religious leaders during this time and one that includes the words ‘hypocrite’ and ‘fool’... yikes. 

When we get closer to verses 23-25, Jesus is addressing their hypocrisy in focusing on trivial matters instead of seeing the big picture. They worry about their tithe and what they give but neglect the command to live in justice, mercy, and faithfulness (V23). God is not just for a worldly obedience that fulfills the law but not the heart. He is after our hearts and wants our love and obedience to be out of love. 

So as good and faithful servants, we have to remember that God is not just wanting a behavioral change but a heart change too. You don’t have to be religiously elite to be embraced by God but a relationship focused sinner that is pursuing God and His glory in all things. Are we willing to drop the “good Christian” disguise and walk in an honest relationship with God? 

In what ways are you settling for a “following the rules” kind of faith? How can you create depth in your walk with God to bring your heart in it too?