Today we are going to look at Mark 12: 38-40:

38 As he taught, he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, 39 and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! 40 They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”

Today we see Jesus continue with His warnings about the religious leaders.  He warns to contrast their words with their actions. With their words, they claim to teach and live the Law; with their words, they claim to be the moral, religious leaders that the people need and that the people should follow.

But what do their actions show? Their actions show pride and arrogance.  Their actions show greed and callousness.  Their actions show that they are not truly living out the words that they claim to believe.  This is hugely important for us to think about and ponder today.  Our beliefs are shown not in what we say, but our beliefs are shown in how we live.  Our actions are the proof of our beliefs, the proof of our doctrine, the proof of who we are. 

By how we live, we show who we really are.  

Today, two points for us to consider.  

Let’s be careful who we follow.  Our religious leaders, those folks we look to for truth about Jesus, what do their lives show us? Well, Andy, I get most of my religious leadership from Facebook or from podcasts. See, that’s a problem.  We need real, tangible people we are in a relationship with, guiding and leading us.  We don’t need just an online religious circle, we need a physical, “actual” religious circle. Today, who are are you following? 

Second, let’s be careful who we are.  There are folks looking to us for leadership.  Our families.  Our friends.  Those who know we are Christians.  Just as we should look carefully at those who lead us, let us be aware that others are looking to us.  What will they see? 

Today, let’s make sure all our lives seek to love God and Neighbor with all that we are.  

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