Exalting self!

How careful we need to be. The ways of the kingdom of God are very different from the ways of the world. We must be careful!

When we look at the gospels, we see the Lord sometimes address the scribes and Pharisees. But before we go on and say, well, that was them, let us look carefully and make sure we are not doing the same thing.

Lets have a look at the following account and the associated notes beneath each section.

Matthew 23: 1 to 12

 Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,

2 Saying The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:

3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.

The people are to observe what the scribes and pharises tell them to observe, because of their position. Seating in Moses seat, is a place of authority which must be observed. The Lord however warned the people not to do after their works.

We are to do what we teach and preach. But l am not a Pastor? Do you have children you teach at home? Do you teach or lead in any capacity ? We must be good examples in word and deed in what we teach and preach.

 

4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.

This is also the same application of the above. I remember many years ago, a brother called a fast for his fellowship, however he himself did not keep the fast. One day, a member of the fellowship dropped by to complain ; brother S, this fast is hard. The brother who called the fast encouraged the brother, "be strong" however he had just finished his own heavy  lunch! The account speaks for itself!

 

5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,

We must always ask ourselves, why are we doing what we are doing? Are we raising funds so people can see how generous we are, or do we really have a heart for the poor?

6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,

Do we get offended when we are not given the front row seat? Do we get offended when we are not told to sit in the special guest section?  If so, why?

7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.

8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.

9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.

Do you love titles? Can you operate without a title?

10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.

11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

Do you make it clear, l am the boss here. Are you a servant? A servant serves others. A servant is a person who performs duties for others? Are we servants!

12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

I have heard accounts of some people in heaven who have lost their reward due to pride and various other reasons. We need to be careful!

 

Gods Ways are different and humility and pure motives is the way of the Kingdom. Lets operate and please the Lord in all we do!

"By Bisi Oladipupo"