Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, 3 so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. 4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. 5 They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, 6 and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues 7 and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others. 8 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. 10 Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. 11 The greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Matthew 23:1-12
Jesus always has a way of getting directly to the point of something. The scribes and Pharisses are getting called out for teaching but not living what they teach. They are being uncovered for the love they have for being seen as better then, deserving of, and honored. This is something that we are not far from. We often think that we are better than another. We often feel that we deserve better than we’ve gotten. We often think we ought to be honored just because.
But Jesus strips this bare and calls it right out as pride.
Humility is the live the truth out loud: That we are not God – He is. We are dust. We are created. He is the Creator. We are His servants. He is our Lord.
Notice today when pride arises. Let humility come by remembering who God is.
Father, forgive me for the way I have walked in arrogance thinking I deserve simply because I breathe. Help me Lord to remember that you are God and I am not. You deserve glory, honor, and praise. I humble myself before you and speak this truth: I am Your servant. In Jesus name. Amen
All is grace,
Starla
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