Do we love the Word of God, or do we prefer the words of men; do we seek full obedience to the commands of God, or do we follow the words of men more intently; do we spend time seeking to please people, or does pleasing God have greater priority in our daily living; do we love being around people for what we receive, or do we love being part of God’s Church as a member of His body? These are questions which appear to have right answers, but should be given careful attention; in light of God’s Word, we must examine ourselves.
The religious leaders thought they knew what was right and wrong; they thought they had their priorities in the right place; they acted as if they were intent on doing the right thing before the eyes of the Lord. Yet they were wrong. They were blind guides, leaders filled with religious actions but had drifted far from God’s Truth. They were steeped in the necessity of following their traditions, doing those things which they determined would make them more acceptable to God, yet failed to see the importance and meaning of God’s Word. They loved what they did and how they were perceived by others but failed to see how they were perceived by God; they were intent on following what they had determined was necessary and failed to know and follow the Scriptures. In speaking to them, Jesus said, You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men (Mark 7.8). In wanting to be righteous, they sought righteousness through their actions rather than adhering to God’s Truth.
May we be ever careful to closely examine our hearts, that we would never hold man’s traditions to a higher standard than God’s Word; that what we think is preferable behavior is never given greater authority over the Scriptures. May we truly love God’s Word, seek to be immersed and filled with God’s Word, and intentionally follow God’s Word passionately, consistently and unconditionally.
Being given God’s Word – we have much to be thankful for –
Terry
My Morning Desk 