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Keeping Up Appearance

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Good morning

Scripture reading: Matthew 23:13-28

Worship song: Heal My Heart

 


Meditation:

    The Scribes and Pharisees were influential role models known for their strict adherence to keeping the law of Moses. They were strict in adhering to rituals and traditional practices but failed to abide by God's commandments and will. Their outward religious appearance did not coincide with their inward spiritual state. The Scribes and Pharisees were criticized by Jesus for focusing on outward appearances and religious rituals while neglecting true godliness. Jesus rebuked them for hindering others from entering the Kingdom of God and for exploiting vulnerable widows while pretending to be devoted through lengthy prayers. 

    Many of us today are great pretenders, presenting ourselves as righteous among our fellow brothers, but in our private space, our lifestyle contradicts our professed faith. It is easy for someone working hard to keep up their appearance to hide their true intentions and character by camouflaging and disguising the true situation, pretending, and living according to expectations. The scribes and Pharisees exemplified this hypocrisy, following traditional rituals without practicing the values they preached. If you find yourself acting in the same manner, seek divine intervention.

Let us pray:

    Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name, let your will be done on earth as it is done in heaven. Lord, as we worship you and spread good tidings of the gospel, may we do so from a sincere heart, a heart that is bound to your will. Father, if we are preaching what we are not practicing, and if we are only exalting ourselves, uncloak and rebuke us in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Almighty God, reveal and dismantle any ritual that we practice that does not glorify you, Lord. Father, expose us if we are exploiting the vulnerable and if our actions only merit human expectations. 

    I pray, Almighty God, that if our actions in any way, form, or shape block others from entering your kingdom, you will reveal and rebuke us. I pray, Lord, that our outward religious appearance will reflect and coincide with our inward spiritual state. Forgive us, Lord, if we are camouflaging our ungodliness while pretending to be holy. Lord, may we examine our actions to see whether they are of you and seek wholeheartedly to align our ways to your righteousness in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Have a peaceful day. ✌💕🙏

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