Today’s scripture: (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Kristin Lee):
In today’s scripture, Jesus warns against teachers who put on a show to appear important and condemns those who exploit others for their own gain.
I have enough negative characteristics (just the ones I’m aware of) that I don’t believe I’m in a position to point fingers. The adage, “To point one finger at others causes three fingers to point back at you” is oh, so true for me. And even if the same applies to you, I would bet that you, like me, are ready to point to the world of difference between our mistakes and the exploitation of others. I mean, with all my faults, I don’t think I’m the teacher Jesus warns against.
But that doesn’t mean that I don’t need to be constantly aware of my actions. The truth is that we hold so much power in our actions, our words, and our reactions. I’m reminded of a story Angelo Pizzo shared with my college graduating class as our commencement speaker. Mr. Pizzo wrote the screenplay to the movie Hoosiers. He said that after he wrote it, he shared it with one of his mentors who criticized it heavily. Crestfallen, Mr. Pizzo came close to never sharing his script with another person, never having it filmed, never making Indiana history.
We all want to be accepted for who we are and have our contributions appreciated by others. As we strive to find approval from our teachers, the ones who are the experts in our field, we need to remember that they are human, just like us. And as we interact with others, who look to us as a teacher, the one who can give acceptance, we need to remember our Christian service and be loving, kind, and gentle.
Thought for the day: Help me, Lord, to be mindful of those I elevate to the status of teacher and of those who have done the same to me.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.