Righteous Living

Think of the Scribes and Pharisees who were very religious people.  One of the big problems they seemed to have, was that they stumbled over the law.  And not only that, but they made up many of their own laws, I think it was around three hundred manmade laws.  They had a problem trying to keep the traditions of men also.  Another problem they had was that they liked to do things to be seen by men.

Jesus had much to say about them in Matthew 23:1-12, “Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’ But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted”

If you read the whole chapter you will see that Jesus had many other things to say to the Scribes and Pharisees about being hypocrites.  Jesus said to the crowds and His disciples whatever they tell you, do and observe; but don’t do what they do, for what they say, they do not do.  I wonder how many of us do some of these same things.  How many of us give people advice but we don’t do what we say, and how many of us do things so that others can see?  I know I have been guilty of this and I am ashamed of it.  How many of us have given alms to others and then went and told others about it?  How many of us have given in the church and did it in such a way that others could see how righteous we were?  I think many of us have been in these situations.

Please read Matthew 6:1-4, “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.”

Jesus also talked about hypocrites and the way they prayed and how it was just for show instead of being sincere in Matthew 6:5-8, “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.”

Then Jesus talked about fasting and how the hypocrites did it and how it should be done, in that same chapter verses 16-18, “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”

Let us do our best to live righteous lives and to strive for perfection. There are some things that we shouldn’t do or tell anyone about, if we don’t want to lose our rewards.  This is a reminder for me and also for many other people, just something to think about.  May you have a great day and may the good Lord bless you and yours!!  PS don’t forget to thank and praise the Lord for He is worthy!!