Good day, dear ones.
I failed to get in my jog routine this morning. I had other issues come up—besides a bunch of grandkids who need lots of attention. Five of them have been sitting around our table. It can get a little wild.
I need to make another attempt at getting some work done.
Blessings on your efforts. Ray.
Here’s the phrase that’s standing out to me right now—“…you refuse to enter in.” I confess that I don’t really read the fine print of “legalese” in a complicated description of terms and conditions I must agree to before completing the installation of a new piece of software, or taking out a loan, or the like. I don’t know anyone who does. Reading all that stuff can seem silly—even redundant. All I want is to get what I want. So I just click, “I AGREE.” Can you imagine anyone who really wants to use this software clicking “I DISAGREE,” and risk being blocked from using the product? Why take time with such formal trivia? And even if at some point I unwittingly disagree or violate the technical terms, who is going to know, or come after me?
Is it possible that this sloppy approach to TERMS AND CONDITIONS works to contaminate our own attitudes and compliance with the TERMS AND CONDITIONS God sets forth for entering His Kingdom? In regards to the “religious scholars” and “Pharisees,” it seems that they did the equivalent of clicking the “I AGREE” button when by their true attitudes and lifestyles they actually were REFUSING—or clicking the “I DISAGREE” button.
Three very clearly-stated TERMS AND CONDITIONS are given by Jesus right here in this passage. As He condemns the “religious scholars” and “Pharisees”, He says it’s OK to be technical about things like paying tithes—but don’t get high-centered on that kind of thing and “ignore the most important duty of all: (1) to walk in love with God, (2) to display mercy to others, and (3) to live with integrity. Readjust your values and place first things first” (v. 23, TPT). (Note: I inserted the numbers.)