Best Effort!

Jesus acknowledged the position of the scribes and Pharisees as teachers of the law. He knew the people held them in high honor. However, Jesus urged the people to practice what these leaders taught, but not to imitate what they did. ( Matthew 23:1-3) Though there was often an overemphasis on the traditions (i.e. Mark 7:3-4 & 9-12) not all that they taught was wrong. The problem was their hypocrisy in not practicing themselves what they were teaching. Skill had developed in playing the part while hiding what really existed within. (note Matthew 23:27-28)

Because of this hypocrisy, Jesus exhorted…
“For I tell you, UNLESS YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS EXCEEDS that of the scribes and Pharisees, YOU WILL NEVER ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.” ( Matthew 5:20 ESV)

They appeared pious. They were considered righteous. They may have worked hard to retain that appearance. However, they were lacking where the effort really counted. Someone has said, “Work harder at being what you should be than at hiding what you are.” [source: e-mail] What is it that we are working at the hardest? If the effort is poured into becoming what we SHOULD BE we will have less to worry about being exposed.

Writing to the church at Thessalonica, Paul encouraged…
“Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us HOW YOU OUGHT TO LIVE AND to PLEASE GOD, just as you are doing, that you DO SO MORE AND MORE.” ( 1 Thessalonians 4:1 ESV)

May we also “more and more” strive to be what we SHOULD BE. Getting the essence of our life right with God will naturally produce better actions and fruit. May our efforts glorify God and keep us focused on how He would have us to live.

Have a great day BECOMING THE BEINGS GOD DESIRES US TO BE!
Carl

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