Tuesday, May 19, 1998
Tuesday, May 19, 1998
The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat;
therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not
practice what they teach. (Matthew 23:2-3
NRSV)
I remember a man who was returning from a business trip. His wife met him at the airport. They
walked from the gate together and were standing waiting for the baggage. A flight attendant
walked by. Suddenly, the man came to life. Beaming, he said to the stewardess, "I hope we can fly
together again, Miss Jones."
"How do you know her name?" his wife asked suspiciously. He replied, "Well, her name was
posted in the plane, under the names of the pilot and co-pilot."
To which his wife replied, "Okay, now give me the names of the pilot and co-pilot." Well, he
couldn't remember. The man's hypocrisy was uncovered.
Jesus, speaking about the leaders of his days, said to his followers, "Do whatever they teach you
and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice as they teach."
Our lives should reflect what we believe and teach. As the old saying goes, "Let your actions
speak louder than your words."
Prayer: God of all good things, guide me in knowing your gifts and giving them freely to
others, as I live out your will. Amen.
Ronald Newhouse, Texas, USA