Don’t Major on Minors
Jesus was scathing of the Pharisees. Most of Matthew 23 is given over to Jesus’ denunciation of their practices. They were so meticulous, so exacting, but finished up missing what really mattered.
The Pharisees were fastidious about tithing. They refused to eat in anyone’s home for fear the person living there might not have put aside a tenth of every herb, vegetable, fruit, meat, fish, bread or drink, to be used for God’s service.
But you have neglected the more important matters of the law – justice, mercy, faithfulness (v.23)
They majored on minors. Demanding perfection in the smallest areas they had lost sight of the things that really mattered to God.
Christians too easily do the same thing. Jesus challenged the church in Ephesus because they had lost their first love (Revelation 2:4). Our relationship with God is first and foremost a love relationship. Without love it becomes an empty shell. Everything might look right on the outside but the inside is empty.
Get back to loving God. Tell Him everyday over and over that you love Him. As you do you’ll find other things gradually changing. Some things you thought so important will lessen; others you glossed over will now be the real issues.
People will matter more. Everything else will matter less.
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