Scripture:
John 5:39-40
You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.
Observation:
It’s possible to be in a religion with the Scriptures instead of a relationship with the Savior.
This is scary. They studied diligently!These people really knew the Scriptures. Or did they?
It seems what they really knew was how to use, even the Scriptures, for selfish gain.
They were using Scripture to testify for self not the Savior.
Sound familiar?
Can’t see the forest because of the trees?
Whether it’s attending church, reading the Bible, being good, or even loving others – sometimes I’m doing it for myself.
Sometimes I realize it, sometimes I don’t.
It’s easy to get caught up in playing church, quoting scriptures, and being religious for selfish reasons. It does, after all, feel good.
How can I avoid this? How can I avoid missing Jesus when he’s right in front of my face? How can I avoid killing Jesus for claiming he’s God when Scriptures clearly tell me – He is God!?
Application:
Why and Who
If I keep the WHY In check. I’ll avoid the wrong WHO. Am I doing it for Jesus or me?
Why am I attending church, reading scriptures, working, dating, serving, eating, having kids, playing, getting education, voting, getting married, exercising, loving, etc.?
Jesus answers in Matthew how to avoid the wrong reason (why) and for the wrong person (who).
Matthew 22 – Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law? Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
No matter what I do, if I do it as a love for Jesus FIRST, then others (not self), I’ll avoid being blinded by selfishness.
Prayer:
Lord, today we celebrated Easter, that beautiful day when you rose from death. A death which was executed because people were religious with Scriptures instead of righteous with the Savior.
Father please help me not be so close to you yet so far away. Help me love YOU first in what I say and do. In Jesus name I pray. Amen
-James Smith