At the Core

Matthew 23.1-12

23Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; 3therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach.4They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. 5They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. 6They love to have the place of honour at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, 7and to be greeted with respect in the market-places, and to have people call them rabbi. 8But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. 9And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father—the one in heaven. 10Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. 11The greatest among you will be your servant. 12All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.

As I was driving this morning, I heard someone on the radio talking about personal convictions.  They said that many people believe things with their minds and their hearts, but fail to live them out in their lives.  They were saying that if we truly believe something we act it out with our life, we don’t just proclaim it with our lips.

Jesus was talking to people that could see this idea in action.  They were taught one way and shown another by those that were teaching religion.  This has been a problem for every religion not just Judaism or Christianity.  Many people today feel this way when they know someone goes to church and then does things that are not worthy to be called “Christian.”  The simple fact is that sometimes we fail, but we are a living example of what we believe.  If we continue to do things that are wrong without trying to change, we are living out of our core beliefs, good or bad.

I agree with the woman on the radio this morning.  When we really believe something with our mind and heart, we do all we can to live it on our lives.  When we live out Christian discipleship in our lives, we are a witness to God and we bring glory to him.  In this day, how will you live out your beliefs?

Blessings,

Pastor Mandy