“So you must obey them and do everything
they tell you. But do not do what they do,
for they do not practice what they preach.”

A  child is taught do not steal and then listens to his parent tell a friend how the item she bought only cost her $15.00 because the teller gave her $20 too much change.

A  parent teaches her children to honor God and but never says grace at meals or reads Bible stories to them.

A child is taught it is important to worship God, but Sunday comes along and there are so many things to do before they have to go back to work on Monday.

A parent drives his child to school and reminds his child not to cheat on his test in school with a radar detecting devise sitting on the dashboard.

“So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do,
for they do not practice what they preach.”

Why does Jesus point out the religious leaders hypocrisy, to condemn them or to challenge to change their ways?  Why would Jesus point out our hypocrisy?

Jesus would do so because He is concerned for you and me.  God is our loving father.  No LOVING father would neglect the safety and well being of his child.  What kind of parent would permit his or her child to do something that would bring harm to them?

The principles Jesus is teaching us are principles that are not evident in the religious leaders of that time.

Do what is right because it is so, not because you wish to appear virtuous to others.

Let your name and honors be expressions of respect from others, not claims of self importance.

Recognize that God is the authority of life No matter how great you think you are, live the humility of a servant.

“So you must obey them and do everything they tell you.
But do not do what they do,
for they do not practice what they preach.”

It is one thing to know scriptures it is completely another thing to live the scriptures.  Knowing and living the scriptures should be the two sides of the same coin.  Knowing scriptures without having them impact your living is empty.  You and I are to know the scriptures because they are the life changing.  They draw you into relationship with God.  When you spend time in God’s Word are you aware that you are spending time with God.

Paul reinforces Jesus’ principles when he talked to the believers in Thessalonica.

Be pure, upright, and blameless in conduct. What would this look like in your workplace, in your family, in your church?

Deal with others as a loving father with his children.

Encourage others to lead a life worthy of God.

Give thanks to God.

Is there anything about your daily life that you would be embarrassed by in front of God?  Is there anything about your daily life that would embarrass God?  What do people think of God by watching you?

God loves for who you are.  What is it about you that God would like to see you change?

“So you must obey them
and do everything they tell you.
But do not do what they do,
for they do not practice what they preach.”