Eye On The Ball - Mat. 23:3, 5

"So practice and obey whatever they say to you, but don't follow their example. For they don't practice what they teach... Everything they do is for show." Mat. 23:3, 5

What an indictment of the Saducees and the Pharisees! And a lot of Christianity today. Man just can't seem to help himself. He will always tend to gravitate toward the law at the expense of the heart behind the law--ending up in legalism. This seems to be the path of least resistance, and I don't understand why. Maybe it is because we can more easily "measure" compliance with rules and regulations, where "heart" issues are more subjective. In verse 23, Jesus tells the Pharisees that they are hypocrites, that they, "tithe even on the tiniest part of your income, but you ignore the important things of the law--justice mercy and faith." Note that he said "important," relative to the law. I think we would all do well to remember this the next time we begin to feel judgmental--are we judging what is important?!

Jesus, help me to keep my eyes focused on your ball, not mine.

Today's reading: Mat. 23-25