Of all Jesus’ critiques, none should be avoided as forcefully as the words spoken in Matthew 23. Having had the disputes with the Sadducees and Pharisees (of which I wrote the two previous mornings) he says to the crowds and his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; so practice and observe whatever they tell you, but not what they do; for they preach, but do not practice.”
How much easier it is to proclaim something than to live it.
Proclaiming is good. When we make assertions as to what we believe, we are inclined to move in the direction of those public affirmations. But the proclamation isn’t enough. It is only the start.
I share Jesus’ words from Matthew 23 with you, not to critique you but to encourage you. Consider carefully this day how fully you are living out what it is that you profess. Is your love of neighbor shown in the acts you perform; is your devotion to Christ revealed in the way you spend your day?
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