The Walking Christian
5So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, "Why don't your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with 'unclean' hands?"
6He replied, "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written:
" 'These people honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
7They worship me in vain;
their teachings are but rules taught by men.'[a] 8You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men."
9And he said to them: "You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe[b] your own traditions! 10For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother,'[c] and, 'Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.'[d] 11But you say that if a man says to his father or mother: 'Whatever help you might otherwise have received from me is Corban' (that is, a gift devoted to God), 12then you no longer let him do anything for his father or mother. 13Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that."
Reflection of Bee:
Reflection of Bee:
In the above passage it shows us what it means to be hypocrites: not sincere, the lips and hearts are not synchronised, following the traditions of men rather than the principles of God, not walking one's talks.
In James 1:27, we are told that, "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." That means actions, not just words. We are to be walking Christians, not talking Christians.
Dear Lord,
I pray that 2007 would be a year where I can be your instrument for good works. "Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to love".
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Reflection of Tommy:
Although we should give both our money and time to God, we must never use God as an excuse to avoid helping others in need like the Pharisees. Instead of neglecting our responsibilities, we should look around us for opportunities to sincerely serve His people. Helping those in need is one of the most important ways to honor God.
Dear Father, thank You for teaching me to worship You and serve Your people out of love, and not because of selfish desires. Lord, lead me to seek ways and give time to help those around me who are in need. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
