"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."
(Matthew 23:2-3)
A hypocrite is someone whose character is inconsistent with his words and deeds. Hypocrisy is not a new condition. Jesus addressed the same problem centuries ago when He rebuked the Pharisees. Today, our society employs a cliché to describe the perspective of this type of person: “Do as I say, not as I do.” We want to share the Gospel with young people, but in many cases our words have been compromised. Many young people are turned off by family and church members who say one thing about Jesus on Sunday, but live far from Him Monday through Saturday.
Jesus did say, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17). But let’s not use His words as an excuse for failing to live without hypocrisy. Do we trust the Lord the way we want our children to trust Him? Do we obey God the way we want our children to obey Him?
May we be able to say to our children along with Paul, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).
Scripture Focus
Matthew 23:1-12
Insight
Ask God to show you where you need His righteousness. Then share the Gospel with young people who need His righteousness, too.
Bible In A Year
- Isaiah 57-58
- Psalm 99
- Acts 22
