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"…You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.”. " – Mark 7:8 (today’s highlighted verse from Mark 7:6-8)
When is the last time you told a lie? Even a small white lie to save someone else’s feelings from being hurt, or to avoid telling them something that may have caused them more trouble or anguish. It happens to all of us at one point or another. Someone bakes you a peach cobbler and the moment you bite into it, you realize that baking is not that person’s gift. How do you respond – “ewww, that is the most disgusting peach cobbler I’ve ever had.” or “ummm, I’m going to save this for later. Thank you very much.”? Most likely something more similar to the latter even though you know you’re going to take it home and give it to the dog.
The truth is that we are all perfectly willing to break the commandment “Thou shalt not lie” when it is convenient or when it is appropriate for the situation we find ourselves in. In Mark 7:6-8; we find Jesus confronted by the Pharisees when they observe his disciples eating without properly following the ritualistic process of cleansing themselves first. The rules and commandments provided by God Almighty in Exodus and Leviticus are Holy and just, having come from the Father directly through His chosen. Jesus comments in Mark though point to the fact that we must honor and abide by these rules, but that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God and to love others as you would have them love you.
Loving God means living for God, praising Him, worshipping Him and acknowledging Him before mankind. I believe He realizes our weakness’ and frailties in life. We cannot be perfect in abiding by His laws, but this does not make us hypocrites as some would call out. God provided the perfect lamb of sacrifice for the redemption of our sins. Jesus Christ, came to the earth in order that our transgressions and sin filled lives could be made perfect through His death and resurrection. We are called to repent and turn from evil and unrighteousness. God’s grace doesn’t excuse our actions, but it does wash them clean. You see, our unrighteousness and sinful actions will have ramifications in this world and in eternity.
Others are observing our actions, watching what we do and taking note of our character and choices. This observation in turn will have an impression on their beliefs and what they find to be acceptable. They will likely not see you ask forgiveness and repent of your carelessness, with a broken heart at a later time, they only see the transgression that takes place. Although God’s grace will wash our sins away, the impact on another person’s choices in life, because of our sins, may have an eternal effect. This is why the most important commandment is to love God with all your heart, all your soul and all of your mind. For when you are living for God, you are making every possible effort to live within His ways. Then others are observing Christ through your actions and making choices that will reflect His love and grace.
So, if your neighbor’s peach cobbler isn’t even fit for the dog, be gracious and loving in your response to them – for even through this little white lie you can demonstrate God’s love.
© Sondove Enterprises, 2012
For additional Daily Thoughts, please visit: http://www.10minutereader.com
The truth is that we are all perfectly willing to break the commandment “Thou shalt not lie” when it is convenient or when it is appropriate for the situation we find ourselves in. In Mark 7:6-8; we find Jesus confronted by the Pharisees when they observe his disciples eating without properly following the ritualistic process of cleansing themselves first. The rules and commandments provided by God Almighty in Exodus and Leviticus are Holy and just, having come from the Father directly through His chosen. Jesus comments in Mark though point to the fact that we must honor and abide by these rules, but that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God and to love others as you would have them love you.
Loving God means living for God, praising Him, worshipping Him and acknowledging Him before mankind. I believe He realizes our weakness’ and frailties in life. We cannot be perfect in abiding by His laws, but this does not make us hypocrites as some would call out. God provided the perfect lamb of sacrifice for the redemption of our sins. Jesus Christ, came to the earth in order that our transgressions and sin filled lives could be made perfect through His death and resurrection. We are called to repent and turn from evil and unrighteousness. God’s grace doesn’t excuse our actions, but it does wash them clean. You see, our unrighteousness and sinful actions will have ramifications in this world and in eternity.
Others are observing our actions, watching what we do and taking note of our character and choices. This observation in turn will have an impression on their beliefs and what they find to be acceptable. They will likely not see you ask forgiveness and repent of your carelessness, with a broken heart at a later time, they only see the transgression that takes place. Although God’s grace will wash our sins away, the impact on another person’s choices in life, because of our sins, may have an eternal effect. This is why the most important commandment is to love God with all your heart, all your soul and all of your mind. For when you are living for God, you are making every possible effort to live within His ways. Then others are observing Christ through your actions and making choices that will reflect His love and grace.
So, if your neighbor’s peach cobbler isn’t even fit for the dog, be gracious and loving in your response to them – for even through this little white lie you can demonstrate God’s love.
© Sondove Enterprises, 2012
For additional Daily Thoughts, please visit: http://www.10minutereader.com
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