Gospel

Woes Woes Woes Part 3

by Roland Crim
06/02/18
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“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.” Matthew 23:23-26 NIV

Many seek stipulated rules and regulations, which, by following, lead to appropriate benefits. Do we do the same in trying to seek God?

I am reminded here of the rich young man who came to Jesus wanting to know that which he must do to receive eternal life. He was looking for a set of rules and regulations. Guess what? Jesus told him what those rules and regulations were. But, this young man sensed that there was more to receiving eternal life than just the above being fulfilled. And, he was correct.

Tithing is a manner of giving back to God what He provides. But this is just a part of what is required. The follower of Christ must pursue justice, and mercy. One also must remain in their service to God. One must give their all to serve God.

We must approach God humbly, recognizing that we, of our own accord are not clean on the inside. We were born into sin, and can only be saved through the sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ. We must allow God to dwell inside us. We must give up our old selves, allowing ourselves to be transformed into a person God wants us to be. If we focus on that which is of our outside, but disregard the need for a cleansed inside, we will continue to fall short of what God asks of us.

Release yourself totally to the Lord. Allow Him to work on and through you.