The Show

"Then Jesus said to the crowds and to the disciples, 'The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the Scriptures. So practice and obey whatever they say to you, but don't follow their example. For they don't practice what they teach. They crush you with impossible religious demands and never lift a finger to help ease the burden. Everything they do is for show..." Matthew 23:1-5a  It's been my observation of late that people have grown weary of the fake. My personal level of cynicism is at an all time high. Substance has been replaced by appearance. Character by expediency. Reality by perception. 

 It leaves one pondering the question, "Is there anything real and genuine?"
This question is not exclusive to our experience. Jesus dealt with it too ... head on. He confronted the religious leaders of his day for their "do as I say, not as I do" lifestyles. These guys were real showmen. They had the routine down pat. Jesus affirmed the scriptures, but not the ones presenting it. They were all show and no soul.

Certainly, this story challenges us to consider the integrity of our own hearts, but it's also a message of great comfort and relief. God isn't interested in us putting on a show. Following him isn't about religion. It's about a humble walk with him. 

 No pretense. No hoop jumping. No image development. It's all of the wonder and glory of who he is engaging with all of who we are, warts and all. Relax, take a deep breath and step off the stage. The show's over.  

Grace and Peace, Tom Wiles
tom@fallcreekchristian.org
Location: Fall Creek Christian Church, 1102 West 700 South, Pendleton, IN 46064, USA

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