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What Do You Expect

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy loads and put them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.” – Matthew 23:1-4

Look closely at this verse and you’ll see that Jesus was not opposed to the teachings of the Pharisees. Their teaching came straight out of Moses and the Prophets. They were steeped in scripture and knew every jot and tittle. However, they fell short when it came time to apply what they knew to their daily lives and this is where Jesus makes the distinction. You can know the truth and fail to live according to it. But in so doing you risk confusing those who are watching you, and make no mistake, many are watching.

Of course you can always say, ‘Do as I say, not as I do!’, but, speaking as a parent who has raised two children, that’s rarely effective. What is much more effective is to live a life of integrity. That means what you say and what you do is integrated in such a way that anyone watching you can see Jesus in action. Never put a load of expectation on another person that you’re not willing to carry yourself. And never carry a load yourself that Christ died to carry for you.

Prayer
Lord, may I live a life that mirrors your instruction to me. Keep me, by your Spirit, from ever laying a burden of expectations on others that I am unwilling to carry myself. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.