Daily Devotional for December 27, 2016

1 Corinthians 10:32-33    
As a matter of fact, do everything that way, heartily and freely to God’s glory. At the same time, don’t be callous in your exercise of freedom, thoughtlessly stepping on the toes of those who aren’t as free as you are. I try my best to be considerate of everyone’s feelings in all these matters; I hope you will be, too.

Scripture quotations from The Message. ©1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.  Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO.  All rights reserved.

Sometimes, we Christians are so busy trying to make a point that we fail to make a difference!  We get so caught up in rituals and appearances of piety that we totally fail at serving as the hands and feet of Jesus. We turn our Christian faith into a grand production…we have to belong to the right groups…we have to have plenty of Christian symbols in our jewelry and home décor.  We have to attend the right Bible studies. At church, the lighting has to be just right…the musicians have to be semi-professional or better…and the worship facility has to be large and grand – or chic and trendy.  

We serve coffee at worship services and try to dress and act casual, so everyone feels comfortable. But then we make a big deal out of our offerings…or even have times when we encourage people to come to the altar with their “gifts.”  We pass the plate or bucket at special events like the Christmas Eve candlelight service...OR, we dress “to the nines” with the premise that we want to show respect to God by wearing our best clothes and accessories.

We look at those whose appearance is different than ours in some way as we walk the aisles of Walmart…and they know immediately that we disapprove. We wear our cross jewelry and “Jesus Saves” t-shirts…but we cluck our tongues at those in headgear and other clothing and accessories that symbolize their beliefs.  And then we wonder why others think that many there isn’t room for everyone at God's table.

We don’t take into account that the very people we are seeking to reach – those who may not yet enjoy the freedom of salvation in Jesus Christ or who may be seeking a church home or a simple Christian friendship – often feel judged by these actions and behaviors.  They feel they cannot measure up…that they cannot afford to participate at an “appropriate or acceptable level”…that this Christian faith must be for those who have it all together and/or belong to a certain group. 

In short, Christian faith becomes a “country club” for “eligible members”…and we often step all over the toes of those who are “on the outside” – if only in their own minds.  A whole lot of people don’t want what we are peddling as Christians…and who can blame them?!

This is dangerous territory.  We cannot afford to even suggest exclusion for a single person, because this is NOT why God gave us Jesus!  At every turn, we need to be asking ourselves – and God…”Am I being considerate?  Is this glorifying my relationship with God and the freedom and blessings He offers through salvation in Jesus Christ?”  We must carefully consider everything we say and do, because…wait for it…PEOPLE.ARE.WATCHING!

God wants us to enjoy our lives as Christians.  He wants us to worship Him and celebrate Jesus to the best of our ability.  He wants us to communicate with Him in prayer and praise…to serve others in Jesus’ name (and give Him the glory)…and to honor all that He has given us by giving back – in time, talents, AND money.  But God does not approve of a spectacle…or any words and gestures that cause another person to feel unworthy, judged, or excluded.

This is where a lot of us miss the mark.  People ARE watching.  When they look at you…what – and WHO – will they see?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 3, 2016

Matthew 6:16-18
“When you practice some appetite-denying discipline to better concentrate on God, don’t make a production out of it. It might turn you into a small-time celebrity but it won’t make you a saint. If you ‘go into training’ inwardly, act normal outwardly. Shampoo and comb your hair, brush your teeth, wash your face. God doesn’t require attention-getting devices. He won’t overlook what you are doing; he’ll reward you well."

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.  Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO.  All rights reserved.

There is an episode of the ABC television comedy “Modern Family” in which the character Cameron sets out all of his old “fat jeans” at a family yard sale. He declares that “You know, I’ve lost 25 pounds!”  Everyone is concerned, because like millions of Americans, he generally diets, loses weight, and then regains said weight…and then some! I have little doubt that you know at least one person who frequently announces, “I’m going on a diet!”  Or maybe he/she says, “THIS TIME, I’m really going to get in shape…quit smoking…finish cleaning that closet or shed” - or whatever it is that requires a hefty dose of personal discipline and determination.

There are some who feel that we should hold ourselves accountable by announcing our intentions.  But Jesus tells us that when we do this in order to draw closer to God, we are essentially making a production – and this does not please God.  Announcements that we are “giving this up for Lent,” or that “I am going to read my Bible every day” do not make us better Christians – or demonstrate extreme faithfulness.  Verbal declarations that we are going to memorize a certain number of Bible verses…or public promises to get up an hour early every morning to “spend quiet time with God” do not make us more effective – or improve our standing in God’s eyes.

What God wants is sincere, humble effort.  He wants us to quietly do the work that Jesus outlined for us...to learn from the Master who sought little to no outward attention for His miraculous works – even though the accolades would have most certainly been merited.  God wants us to develop discipline in our discipleship and ministries. But calling attention to these efforts is not what He had in mind.

So study your Bible…spend quiet time with God…start the diet and sell the pants!  But let your humble demeanor and the words and actions of your day speak for themselves…and your discipleship.  Others will notice…but most importantly, God will see how you carry yourself – and bless your faithful obedience.  And isn’t that the ultimate goal?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 31, 2016

Matthew 6:5-6
“And when you come before God, don’t turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat?
 
“Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace. 

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.  Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO.  All rights reserved. 

I will warn you now that you may not like some - or all - of what I am about to say!  But I have studied this scripture passage carefully, and I have developed strong feelings about public prayer – and the importance that many attach to this action.

If you wanted to talk to a friend and loved one about something deeply personal, would you do this out loud – in a public venue?  Would you get on the public address system at a sporting event and thank Mary for the kindness she showed to you…or discuss your concern over Joe’s cancer diagnosis or Bill and Sue’s marital problems?  Would you announce to an entire table of diners in a restaurant that you were worried that your teenager might be experimenting with drugs?  Would you want your child to stand up in his/her classroom and share that there was dissension in your church…or that Daddy got a raise and the whole family was super excited and grateful, because things had been really tight and stressful at home?

I realize that this is an extreme analogy…but hopefully you get where I’m going. I totally “get” that some attach great importance to “public” prayers. Some see this as a way to publicly demonstrate their Christian faith.  But therein lies the problem I have. Are we really talking to God – or making a show?

When I go to the pool to work out, I use this as a personal prayer time.  A man who often swims at the same time as I do tried to strike up conversations with me on more than one occasion. One day he said something that gave me the opportunity to mention that I used my workout time as prayer time. I could have just jogged around the pool, praying aloud…and he and everyone else could have drawn conclusions about what a “good Christian” I must be…or even that I was a little nuts!  Instead, I just kept talking to God in between conversation exchanges and waited for an opportunity to explain that this was my personal prayer time.  I figured this was the best way to respectfully regain my privacy…and simultaneously express my Christian faith.

Carefully consider Jesus’ words in this scripture passage. Prayer is meant to be an intimate conversation with God…not a public spectacle. Jesus is pretty clear that we are to be still and quiet - and pour out our heart to God…to focus completely on Him and not on what anyone else hears - or thinks. Leading a group in prayer has its place and time. But I think when we fret so much about whether or not public prayers are allowed in this venue or that one, we so miss the mark. You and I can talk to God anywhere…anytime!  All we have to do is get quiet and still  - and open the dialogue.  We can do this without ever moving our lips – much less uttering a vocal sound.  And we SHOULD! 

The more we understand about the intimacy – and quite frankly, the privacy – of most prayers, the more we see how important it is to talk to God throughout each day.  We understand how vital it is to keep Him close in our thoughts…and to shift our focus from making a public display to sensing His presence – and His grace.

Each of us has the opportunity for a unique and deeply personal daily conversation with God that will not only nurture our relationship with Him but also profoundly affect how others see Jesus in and through us. If we are busy worrying about whether we can pray out loud – and where such public demonstrations are allowed – we risk missing the opportunity to hear from God.  And that’s a chance I’m not willing to take.  What about you?

 ©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for July 7, 2016

Matthew 7:24-29
“All who listen to my instructions and follow them are wise, like a man who builds his house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents, and the floods rise and the storm winds beat against his house, it won’t collapse, for it is built on rock.

“But those who hear my instructions and ignore them are foolish, like a man who builds his house on sand. For when the rains and floods come, and storm winds beat against his house, it will fall with a mighty crash.” The crowds were amazed at Jesus’ sermons, for he taught as one who had great authority, and not as their Jewish leaders.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

We have a large square ottoman in our living room that has been the “go-to-table” for the children these last seven years.  It has been used as a track for cars…the base for creations from a variety of media, including Legos®, “bristle” blocks, wooden blocks, puzzles, and more…and just a great place to chill out for a few minutes and watch TV.  The ottoman is big…and sturdy.  But it is also upholstered and tufted.  So the top is flexible and not the firmest foundation for jigsaw puzzles or some block creations.  So there are lots of “collapses”…both from the creations AND the children who design them!

We have tried to teach the children to either 1) build certain things that need a solid base on the floor; or 2) put something sturdy, like a big book, on the ottoman first…and build their masterpiece on top of that. Experience is a great teacher…and the children are learning that the foundation matters!

It is one thing to tell our children that the blocks will stand up better on a solid surface…that the puzzle pieces will hold together better on the floor than a cushioned piece of furniture.  But when they put these suggestions into action – or see them demonstrated – the “lesson” is reinforced.  And so it is with us in our relationship with Jesus Christ. This foundation is important.  Bible study grounds us…give us a “go-to” source for guidance and encouragement.  But we have to know how to put these lessons and assurances into action, also.

We can spout scripture all day long.  We can appear to be one of the Godliest people on the planet...someone who always attends worship services and Bible studies – or teaches classes and serves on committees.  We can wear the t-shirts and sport the bumper stickers and the crosses on our clothing and jewelry.  We can pass out food to the needy and house the homeless and orphans.  But if we don’t demonstrate a sincere internalization of the Biblical foundation that we have been given, we will eventually crumble and wash away.  People will see us for the shams and frauds that we are…and God’s Kingdom will suffer.

What I am trying to tell you is that we have to get into God’s word…and then we have to get into God’s word.  We have to build a solid base of wisdom, encouragement, hope and faith…and then we have to reinforce the foundation by prayerfully putting these into practice each and every day in our own lives.  We want to demonstrate the confidence and assurance that Jesus emulated to those with whom He interacted. We don’t want to just keep up appearances like the priests and “religion teachers”…we want others to truly see Jesus Christ in action through our words and deeds.

Build your Christian discipleship on a firm foundation that includes confidence in God’s word…and personal evidence that it works in your own life. Demonstrate that you are rock solid in your faith…that everything you say and do is undergirded by the power of Jesus Christ working in and through you.  Let others see someone who is firmly planted in the word of God…and operating daily in His wisdom and promises.  How firm is your “foundation” today?  Isn’t it time you knew?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 20, 2016

May 20 ~ Matthew 6:7-13
“The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They’re full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:

Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what’s best—
    as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You’re in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You’re ablaze in beauty!
    Yes. Yes. Yes.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.  Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO.  All rights reserved.

This morning, I gave our 3½-year-old nephew, Nathan, a can of Play-doh®, some cookie cutters, a plastic knife left over from a take-out food order, a rolling pin and cutting mat, and some toothpicks.  While I worked in the kitchen, he spent about 45 minutes making all sorts of characters, including a birthday cake with “toothpick candles,” countless snakes…and other interesting characters and shapes.

We have many things at our house for the children to play with…but they are all pretty simple and basic – blocks, art supplies, puzzles, dolls, “dress-up” clothes, and lots of books.  We feel that this fosters creativity and helps the children learn to “use what you already have.”  And in many ways, this is what Jesus is telling us in this Matthew 6:7-13 (often referred to as “The Lord’s Prayer”).  You have everything you need to effectively communicate with God.  You don’t need the latest “formula” from a leading Bible scholar…the lessons of a popular author/speaker who creates Bible studies and simulcasts…the newest releases from Christian musicians…or even a prayer partner or intercessor.  You just need to stop and talk to God – and use the simple outline found in these verses.

I am a big fan of the KISS method of doing things – Keep It Simple, Silly!  (Okay, the last “S” stands for another word, but I’m trying to be nice here!)  Whenever you get stymied about how to talk to God – or wonder what to say or where to begin – simply start here, with these words…“Our Father in heaven…reveal who you are”…or even “Come, Lord Jesus.” 

Too often, we are more concerned with making a point than making a difference…especially when it comes to our relationship with God.  Let’s make a concerted effort to dial it down…to simplify and strip bare before Him.  Let’s stand before God as a lone can of Play-doh® with a handful of basic “tools” in our arsenal…and prepare to be amazed at what He can create.  Are you with me?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 1, 2013

Luke 14:10-11
“When you’re invited to dinner, go and sit at the last place. Then when the host comes he may very well say, ‘Friend, come up to the front.’ That will give the dinner guests something to talk about! What I’m saying is, If you walk around with your nose in the air, you’re going to end up flat on your face. But if you’re content to be simply yourself, you will become more than yourself.”
 
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.  Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO.  All rights reserved.
 
My lifelong friend, Adam Little, is a video editor in Nashville… a very good video editor whose work has won numerous awards.  He posted on Facebook today that two of his videos are up for CMA awards... Miranda Lambert’s "Mama's Broken Heart" and Blake Shelton's "Boys Round Here". He noted that “both were directed by the talented Trey Fanjoy.”  Now here’s the deal… most of you have heard of Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton.  But I bet a lot of you had no clue who Adam Little and Trey Fanjoy were a few minutes ago! Yet, without a good director… and a very good video editor, the work of these famous performers might go fairly unrecognized.  I can assure you that the advent of video and the Internet opened up a whole new world for entertainers in all genres… particularly music.  Now, artists can put their work on YouTube and send it out through other mass media venues.  They can now reach an audience of millions in minutes. This used to take months and years as the singers drove from radio station to station and peddled their latest recording.
 
Still, Lambert and Shelton will take home the glory at the CMAs while Adam and Trey simply smile and “do what they do”, so to speak.  And I am not here to imply that Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton walk around with their noses in the air.  I don’t know either of them… they very well may be humble, truly nice people.  But I know that they will take the accolades and the credit – and thank a few people if they win (hopefully including Adam and Trey!)… and they will continue to be the people everyone talks about.  It is my hope that in some format, the artists will give Adam and Trey and others who worked on their projects due recognition.  I trust that they will find a way to essentially say to them, “Friend, come up to the front!”  But I know Adam… he will be fine either way, because he is content to simply be himself.  And that makes him more famous in my book than a thousand Blake Sheltons or Miranda Lamberts!
 
What about you?  Do you seek the limelight?  Do you crave recognition for your accomplishments and good deeds?  Have you ever asked someone, “Do you have any idea who you are dealing with… do you know who I am?”  Even if you didn’t say these words out loud… have you ever given someone else this impression?  Do you aspire to hang out with “the rich and famous”?  Is it your goal to become one of them?
 
I know people who think they are “all that and a bag of chips”… and people who truly are all that – and could care less who knew it!  And I will tell you that those in the latter category truly have it going on… with other people – and with God!  You’re not fooling anyone when you put on airs.  It may seem as if people flock to you and want to be around you – or to be you!  But in truth, an attitude of arrogance and/or superiority only appears to take one places.  True humility and respect for others, regardless of their station or accomplishments – or yours, is what counts.
 
God will bless those who are simply themselves… the ones who quietly go about their work and move behind the scenes… the “video editors and directors” of life.  Are you one of them?  Don’t you think you should be?
 
©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 27, 2013

April 27 ~ Matthew 7:21-23
“Knowing the correct password—saying ‘Master, Master,’ for instance—isn’t going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience—doing what my Father wills. I can see it now—at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, ‘Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.’ And do you know what I am going to say? ‘You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don’t impress me one bit. You’re out of here.’
 
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.  Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO.  All rights reserved.
 
When my grandmother died, the members of her church prepared lunch for my family on the day of her visitation and funeral service.  Someone organized a meal and contacted church members to prepare the varied dishes that were served.  Several couples and individuals set up tables in the social hall, prepared iced tea and coffee, and set out a buffet table with all of the food that had been provided.  We literally didn’t have to do a thing except fill our plates.  These loving servants brought beverages to our tables, picked up our dirty dishes, and stayed to clean up and take care of the leftovers after we had eaten.
 
Afterward, I was given a list of the people who participated.  I have to tell you…it was humbling to see the names of many busy people who took time to prepare a dish, even though they work fulltime… the retirees who made a salad or baked a casserole, cake or pie, when I know they are in poor health… those who contributed in some way, even though they are caring for a loved one at home who is unwell and could probably use a covered dish themselves!
 
I was greatly moved by the loving gestures of people who dropped everything to stop by my grandmother’s room as she lay dying and offer us a hug.  Some of them left loved ones of theirs who were not well, and others who took time out of a busy workday… just to pray with us, say a “Goodbye” to my grandmother - and to let us know how deeply they cared.  Even fellow believers need nurture and encouragement… and ministry!
 
Pastor Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life, says that some of the most important ministries are the most obscure.  And truly, what could share the love of Jesus better than a visit to a shut-in or someone who is sick… an anonymous donation of clothing or food to a needy family… or the subtle palming of a twenty dollar bill to someone who is down to their last dime?  Which makes the bigger impact… a check written to a memorial fund that gets your name on a plaque or pulling out your wallet and paying for the groceries of the person ahead of you in the check-out line who has obviously overspent?  Who is the bigger servant… the 80-year-old man who sets out tables and chairs for a luncheon to feed a grieving family – or the person who lends his/her name to committees and projects and participates in church and community events in hopes that everyone will see him/her and be impressed?
 
This scripture passage reminds me of people we meet along the way who ask, “How are you doing?” but never stick around for the answer.  And at the end of the day, God really doesn’t care how big of a splash you made, what committees you chaired, or how much money you gave.  He cares about your heart.  And no amount of excuses will be good enough to justify giving Him “lip service” or serving with ulterior motives or selfish ambition.
 
Three things come to mind about this passage…

1. God is not impressed with a show… and He does know when we are giving Him one.
2. You truly can’t judge a book by its cover.  Just because someone doesn’t appear to be doing anything for the LORD doesn’t mean this is the case.  He/she may have actually mastered serving with humility and working in the background – and accomplishing more than most for the Kingdom of heaven!
3. You can’t toss around God’s name and expect to receive a free pass.  Just because you are a born-again Christian doesn’t mean you are more special than the next guy… or exempt from serving obediently wherever – and whenever God calls on you.

This is a good time to stop and examine your motives and actions.  Where are you serving for show… and where are you ministering in the name of Jesus with little to no fanfare?  When you stand before God and review your service on this earth, will you offer a litany of excuses and selfish “accomplishments?”  Or will you hear Him say, “I know what you did. I saw how you served from the heart – even when nobody else noticed – and I am greatly pleased.”  You may very well be a child of God… His for all eternity… but claiming His name is not enough.  With God, how obediently you serve is just as important as Who you know!
 
Where do you find yourself these days?  Are you willing to do the “grunt work” for God… or do you crave the limelight?  When God assesses your ministries, will He be pleased… or will you be grappling for excuses?
 
©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 22, 2012

Matthew 6:1-4
When you do good deeds, don’t try to show off. If you do, you won’t get a reward from your Father in heaven.

When you give to the poor, don’t blow a loud horn. That’s what show-offs do in the meeting places and on the street corners, because they are always looking for praise. I can assure you that they already have their reward.

When you give to the poor, don’t let anyone know about it. Then your gift will be given in secret. Your Father knows what is done in secret, and he will reward you.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

A few weekends ago, my mom and her husband had dinner at a local restaurant. When they went to the register to pay the bill, it had already been covered anonymously. I heard a recent news story about a patron who tried to use her credit card at a Target store, and the card was denied. A stranger standing nearby paid the bill in full – more than $160. The Target employee who handled the transaction said the lady whose bill was covered dissolved into tears. She could not figure out why anyone would do something so generous for a person they didn’t even know. The employee said that the “Good Samaritan” who had stepped up to pay the bill told her, “I’ve been there. We’ve all had hard times and needed help at some point.”

These are just two examples of people who fully understand how to do a good deed without showing off. You may know of countless others… or have been the recipient of someone else’s kindness yourself. Such actions do not have to be directed at someone who is financially poor - i.e. lacking money. In one way or another, we are all the “poor” at one time or another… with needs that are physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual. And God is calling us to meet the needs of others – regardless of their form – and to do so in secret.

I don’t know about you, but I get almost giddy when I do something for another person without any prompting or fanfare. God blesses me far more than the recipient. I’ve given money to those in need before, but there are so many other ways we can minister to the “hungry” among us. We can bless, encourage and uplift in countless ways… and here are just a few:

• Offer to help a neighbor or friend with a project – yard work, painting and repairs, pet sitting, spring cleaning, or even running errands.
• Send a note of encouragement to someone – “just because”.
• Share your extra baked goods – or double your casserole and take the extra to someone you know could probably use it… a busy family, an elderly person, someone who is recovering from an injury or illness.
• Offer to give someone a ride.
• When you are talking to someone who expresses worries or concerns, offer to pray for them.
• Donate to local charities… and offer your time and talents along with your money.
• Take time to stop and thank someone you encounter frequently – the checker at the grocery store…your pharmacist, hairdresser, or your child’s teacher or daycare worker…the server at your coffee shop or restaurant…your mail carrier. Tell them how grateful you are for their service.
• Clean your closet and donate clothing and other items you never use/wear to your favorite charity – or offer them to someone who you feel could use them.
• Spend some time with an elderly person or shut-in who doesn’t get much company.
• Check on your neighbors. Ask if there is anything you can do for them… and mean it!

More than ever, it seems we have become a society of people who only care about “What’s in it for me?”… and I’m not sure how we got here. But this is not the behavior God expects of Christ’s Disciples. The only “payoff” that matters is pleasing God… and the way to do this is to quietly and humbly meet the needs of others. I promise…the blessings will come your way. The “accolades” you may be seeking will be there… just in a better form than you expected. Fame and recognition are highly overrated, especially in the Christian realm! No horn is required… no acceptance speech need be prepared. What matters is how we serve God by serving others. How are YOU serving the “poor” among you these days?

©2012 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for February 28, 2011

Mark 7:1-13
Some Pharisees and several teachers of the Law of Moses from Jerusalem came and gathered around Jesus. They noticed that some of his disciples ate without first washing their hands.

The Pharisees and many other Jewish people obey the teachings of their ancestors. They always wash their hands in the proper way before eating. None of them will eat anything they buy in the market until it is washed. They also follow a lot of other teachings, such as washing cups, pitchers, and bowls.

The Pharisees and teachers asked Jesus, "Why don't your disciples obey what our ancestors taught us to do? Why do they eat without washing their hands?"

Jesus replied: You are nothing but show-offs! The prophet Isaiah was right when he wrote that God had said, "All of you praise me with your words, but you never really think about me. It is useless for you to worship me, when you teach rules made up by humans."

You disobey God's commands in order to obey what humans have taught. You are good at rejecting God's commands so that you can follow your own teachings! Didn't Moses command you to respect your father and mother? Didn't he tell you to put to death all who curse their parents? But you let people get by without helping their parents when they should. You let them say that what they own has been offered to God. You won't let those people help their parents. And you ignore God's commands in order to follow your own teaching. You do a lot of other things that are just as bad.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

Have you ever known someone who says they don’t go to church because our churches are full of hypocrites? The fact is… they are right! But that doesn’t mean that the person who is making this statement is any less hypocritical or above those who come together to worship. Clearly, we are all hypocrites. Very few of us do even a halfway decent job of “walking the walk” we like to claim.

But this doesn’t mean we can’t do better. We must closely examine everything we say and do. Before we label someone as “crazy” or an “idiot,” we must think about Jesus’ command to love others as we love ourselves. They may still be crazy or act in an idiotic manner, but it is not our place to call them out on it. Before we sit down at a restaurant in public and clasp the hands of fellow diners to offer a prayer, we must ask ourselves, “Are we truly thanking God for the blessing of this meal, or are we making a show for others in the restaurant?”

People get so stirred up about the removal of prayer from school and the posting of the Ten Commandments from public buildings. And I don’t mean to start a ruckus here… but let’s be honest, is this really such a huge deal? After all, we are told in Scripture to pray in the privacy of our closets. So can’t students and teachers pray silently in their hearts, even if a prayer over the loudspeaker is prohibited? Are the Ten Commandments null and void just because we don’t see a list of them in our courthouses?

What are our real motives? Do we have pure hearts and desire to model the teachings of Jesus Christ? Do we desire to serve Him and honor HIS work in our lives… or are we more interested in impressing those around us? Until we get our own priorities straight, we have no business judging anyone else. And believe me, this is a tall order… for all of us!

We must prayerfully consider our behavior… our rituals and actions – especially those we claim in the name of Jesus. Are we really serving as His disciples, or are we more concerned with looking like we do? My cousin JD said in a recent sermon, “I know a lot of people who look right. Anybody can look right. But I don’t want to look right – I want to be right with Jesus.” Looking right and being right with God are two distinctly different things. Do you know the difference?

©2011 Debbie Robus