Matthew Chapter 23: Verses 1-7 (NIV-UK)
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 be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practise what they preach. They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.
‘Everything they do is done for people to see: they make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; they love the place of honour at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; they love to be greeted with respect in the market-places and to be called “Rabbi” by others.
Matthew Chapter 23: Verse 23 (NIV-UK)
‘Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices – mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law – justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practised the latter, without neglecting the former.
The classic BBC sitcom “Keeping Up Appearances” made us laugh about the antics and behaviour of a middle-aged woman who aspired to reach a higher social status and acted in a manner that, although supposed to give her the air of superiority, just made her seem ridiculous because everyone could see through it.
Today during a discussion with the Youth Group at church, one of the youngsters was talking about someone in their class who had in their words, “fake friended” someone else because she wanted to use them as access to another person. We talked about how easy others were able to see through the fake friendship, and of the need to be genuine and sincere, particularly about our faith if we want people to trust what we say about Jesus.
Jesus warned His disciples about keeping up appearances and the need to practice what they taught, unlike many of the religious leaders of their time. Although we can sometimes be taken in by someone putting on a face, we can often tell when things are not as they seem. Young people certainly can, as we discussed this morning with them. People were attracted to Jesus because He taught with integrity and authority, and as His ambassadors we must be careful to do the same. We are to reflect His behaviour and character, and thus conduct ourselves with justice, mercy and faithfulness. Keeping up appearances like the sitcom character Hyacinth Bucket is really not a laughing matter, and something we should be careful to avoid.
Dear Lord,
Help me to be careful to practice what I preach and not tarnish Your teaching by trying to say one thing but behave in a different manner. Help me always to be sincere in all I do so that You are glorified. I pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.