Properly Religious!

The scribes and Pharisees of Jesus’ day were quite religious. In their piety they enjoyed the greetings and respect they received from the people. (i.e. Matthew 23:6-7) However, in the way they embraced and promoted their religion, where were they leading others? Jesus indicated it was not into the kingdom of heaven, but that they were rather shutting people out. (note Matthew 23:13) To be religious is good, but to be so in accordance with the truth and in genuineness. Someone has said, “Be sure that religion cannot be right which a man is worse for having.” [source: list of “sentence sermons”]

Note the charge Jesus levied against some of these scribes and Pharisees.
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, YOU MAKE HIM TWICE AS MUCH A CHILD OF HELL AS YOURSELVES.” ( Matthew 23:15 ESV)

Oh, yes, they were zealous in their religion, willing to travel over land and sea to convert another, but to what? Jesus implied the conversions were for worse rather than BETTER. Though these leaders had a great respect for the Law of God, they did not always apply it as God intended. They were also guilty of adding their own teachings and traditions and binding these on others. ( Matthew 15:7-9; Mark 7:6-9)

We need to guard against these same tendencies today. What God has commanded we ought to do and what He has revealed we ought to teach. When we go beyond that (note 1 Corinthians 4:6), how can we expect the outcome God desires? God’s truth, as it is, is what will bring right changes to life for the BETTERMENT of ourselves. He has revealed His Will to promote righteousness and good things for this life and for eternity. Remember we are not to be leading others to ourselves or our own ideas, but rather to God. May the message we receive, share, and live out in our life remain His!

Have a great day ZEALOUS FOR THE WILL OF GOD!
Carl

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