May 6, 2012 (2 Samuel 11-12; Psalm 51; Matthew 23)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “Everything they do is for show. On their arms they wear extra wide prayer boxes with scripture verses inside, and they wear robes with extra long tassels.” Matthew 23:5 NLT
Observation: The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees knew how to put on a good show. They played the part so well, but Jesus could see right through them. Everything they did was for show. They loved to be praised and admired by men. They loved to be called Rabbi, Father, and Teacher. They had a very high value of themselves. But Jesus taught them that the true measure of a great leader was how they served others. In fact Jesus said, “The greatest among you must be a servant.” Yet the Scribes and Pharisees led many people astray because of their hypocrisy. They would cross land and sea to make one convert, (That sure seems good), yet then they would turn that one convert into twice the child of hell that they were! (That’s not so good).
Application: The religious leaders of our day suffer from this same disease. Take away the money, power and prestige and the real leaders would stand out like a orange growing on an apple tree. Often times church services seem more like movie productions than worship services. Pack a crowd into a 15 million dollar building on Sunday morning and just watch the peacock feathers begin to fan out. The pastors and church leaders arrogantly and boastfully recieve the praise and admiration of men, accepting it as if it is owed to them for the awesome job they are doing. They try to teach us how to become better “leaders” while they themselves have forsaken the real purpose of Christ. Everything they do is for show. In many cases it didn’t start out this way, it’s just how it ended up. When we take the praise and honor that belongs to God, we open the door for satan to move in and manipulate our hearts.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day You’ve made. I praise and honor You for who You are! All my praise, all my honor, all my worship belong to You! Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me everyday. Thank You for being all I need. Without You, I am nothing. I could do nothing, I would be nothing and I could accomplish nothing. Teach me how to serve others. Keep me from becoming a show. Bless the work You’ve blessed me to perform, in Jesus name, Amen!