Matthew 23:23 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.”

Sometimes believers elevate little things to the status of grand things and those things which are most important become neglected. It is good to live according to God’s word, attempting to do all that it says and following Christ’s example.  But we often become experts at those things that require little effort, such as attending church on Sunday or perhaps quoting a scripture or two. And yet when we are faced with the more difficult tasks (which oftentimes are the more important ones) such as being kind to an enemy, putting other’s needs before our own, or forgiving someone who has wronged you, we find that we are not always living up to Jesus’ example. And yet it is these very things, understanding, forgiveness and compassion, that are what draws the unbelievers to us. It is these very things that make us stand out from the rest of the world. Unbelievers aren’t looking for who wears the best clothes on Sunday or who knows the most scriptures – they are seeking help, they are in need of mercy, and they are looking to see if your faith is real or if it is just all part of the show.

Pray: “Father God, never let me pass up the more important things for those things which are easy and which make me look good. Sometimes, when I try and tackle the harder parts of following your son, like forgiveness, my “humanity” shows and I am reminded just how much I need him. While this may not make me feel good, it is needful if others are to see us as they see themselves. Then, they can approach you because they know you have already accepted the likes of me. Remind me today, Lord, not to neglect the important things. In Jesus most holy name I ask it – Amen.”