Ah, back to the rules...I have found in much of life that rules can used to hide behind. "Oh sorry, we aren't allowed to do that, or help you, or go out of our box..." Many times just by someone's response to your question you can tell if their spirit/heart are in the right place. Lord, please let my heart be open to your love and your will for my life. Let me break free from the boundaries I have placed on myself. Amen.
This passage made me think that I'm guilty of manipulating the truth to make my life seem more devout or obedient. I've seen my grandson do it, too. I'm still a child of God, learning as I go. When I say, "God's will be done" is it His will or mine? I need to examine this in my life.
I am working on this one - to stop and think before reacting - to consider what Jesus really wants me to do. Yesterday's sermon fit in well for me - to consider "who is in charge" in my life - how often do I let my little wants be in charge instead of God. And using rules is an easy way to avoid the more difficult thing needed.
So much to think about in this reading. It is worrisome to think that maybe what we do in the name of religion and faith could all be a fraud. If the Pharisees didn't know they were frauds, how do we know about ourselves? You all have permission to ask me the tough heart questions. Yikes!
Now that Rosalyn has braved it, I will join in too - you have permission to ask me the tough heart questions as well. Thanks for helping me get there. It does encourage humility! For sure.
Ah, back to the rules...I have found in much of life that rules can used to hide behind. "Oh sorry, we aren't allowed to do that, or help you, or go out of our box..." Many times just by someone's response to your question you can tell if their spirit/heart are in the right place. Lord, please let my heart be open to your love and your will for my life. Let me break free from the boundaries I have placed on myself. Amen.
ReplyDeleteThis passage made me think that I'm guilty of manipulating the truth to make my life seem more devout or obedient. I've seen my grandson do it, too. I'm still a child of God, learning as I go. When I say, "God's will be done" is it His will or mine? I need to examine this in my life.
ReplyDeleteI am working on this one - to stop and think before reacting - to consider what Jesus really wants me to do. Yesterday's sermon fit in well for me - to consider "who is in charge" in my life - how often do I let my little wants be in charge instead of God. And using rules is an easy way to avoid the more difficult thing needed.
ReplyDeleteSo much to think about in this reading. It is worrisome to think that maybe what we do in the name of religion and faith could all be a fraud. If the Pharisees didn't know they were frauds, how do we know about ourselves? You all have permission to ask me the tough heart questions. Yikes!
ReplyDeleteNow that Rosalyn has braved it, I will join in too - you have permission to ask me the tough heart questions as well. Thanks for helping me get there. It does encourage humility! For sure.
ReplyDelete