7.13.23 - Matthew 15:8-9
Are there areas in your life where you may still be learning to live up to your ideals?
Matthew 15:8-9
These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.
I often say that there are two types of hypocrites–the ones who contradict themselves because they are still in the process of learning how to live up to their ideals and those who do it because they are deceptive.
I like to imagine that Jesus could tell the difference. And so, he calls out the latter because their negative example discourages the progress of the former. It is worth noting that Jesus reserves his rebukes for those who run to the front of the line only to keep others out.
This passage is a warning to those of us who publicly profess wisdom that we do not practice. If we truly want knowledge, we must also be open to public correction.
Are there areas in your life where you may still be learning to live up to your ideals? How can you continue to grow in those areas?
--Pedro Silva