Scripture:

Matthew 23:

23”Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cummin. 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. 24You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.

Observation:

I love what one commentator says about vs. 24…

“Jesus likens the Pharisees and scribes to a person upset about a small bug in a soup or drink who nevertheless swallows a huge animal.”

Application:

As a pastor, one of the things that I am vigilant about in my own life is doing my best to live a life consistent with what I believe.  Nothing is more destructive than inconsistency when it comes to the life of the believer.  Which means that much of how I live is a balancing act.  It’s easy sometimes as a pastor to major on the minors…the things that are less important and not essential to salvation (one of the majors of course).  We often spend a lot of time debating over things that in the end don’t really matter that much.  Imporant issues…sure.  Essential issues…not so much.

A couple of passages come to mind about what is most important to God.
Micah 6: 8 He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Hosea 6: 6 For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.

It’s my goal to live a life of consistency.  To balance the minors (tithing etc…), with the majors (justice, mercy, faithfulness).  After all, I’m pretty sure these minor issues never won anyone to Christ or introduced them to the Kingdom of God.  On the other hand it’s those in need of justice, mercy, and faith that we need to focus on.  Majoring on what’s really important.  The gospel…The kingdom… Introducing people to the savior.

Prayer:

God help us all to see what really matters.  Lead us to live a balanced life.  Acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with you!  I pray in Jesus name, Amen.