Good morning, dear friends, and welcome to another beautiful new week.
(Today's verse Read Matthew 23:23)
Jesus contrasted excellent behavior with better behavior in order to address the religious leaders of His day. It is important to remember that a number of those in power were educational and would go on to serve as leaders for the Lord. Scripture mentions several notable Pharisees, including Paul, Nicodemus, and Gamaliel. However, these leaders had fallen into the lethargic habit of appreciating the gift of their possessions more than the gift of themselves. Jesus gave some things greater weight or significance than others.
Certain Christian activities are valued more highly than others according to a divine scale. Giving from their herb garden was insignificant in His example when contrasted with giving from their justice, mercy, and loyalty. There are two types of giving: linked giving (self) and disconnected giving (things). Christ's first priority is for me to get involved in order to improve my neighborhood. Life change is limited by disconnected giving that isn't linked to Christ's life.
What then would Jesus say to today's religious establishment? He might say something along the lines of what He said to the Laodicean Church: "A lot of you are performing good work; constantly keep it up, though there is greater effort—harder work, wiser work." It's a labor that calls for getting your hands filthy via prayer, reflection, and community advocacy for justice, compassion for the underprivileged and lost, and fidelity to the gospel in your relationships and daily life.
The deployment of the Church is more significant than tithing and church attendance. to live in your community as Christ would have you. Contribute your belongings, but above all, offer yourself. What does it mean to give yourself with fairness, compassion, and loyalty, then?
Being a follower of Jesus means reflecting God's heart, not just abiding by the laws. Living out justice means standing up for what's right and protecting those who are weak. By being merciful, you extend grace to others in the same way that God has shown you grace. Moreover, loyalty? That is your resolve to continuously live out God's word. According to Jesus, these characteristics are essential to being a faithful disciple. They are your manifestation of His love in the world. Therefore, let your life be filled with the heavier, more profound things that are really important to God rather than concentrating only on the outer routines. If you put in the effort, your heart will grow closer to the hearts of those you care about.
"Sing to the LORD a new song—His praise in the assembly of the godly. Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King. Let them praise His name with dancing, and make music to Him with tambourine and harp. For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He adorns the afflicted with salvation." - Psalm 149:1-4"
Wishing you a lovely day
[@bam-bi is a Christian who is committed to using blurt blockchain to spread the word about God's love and the transformative message of the 8 and the love of Christ. Through media, people can learn how to apply biblical truth to every aspect of their life and be inspired to serve others.]
