Matthew 23:5‭-‬7 MSG Their lives are perpetual fashion shows, embroidered prayer shawls one day and flowery prayers the next. They love to sit at the head table at church dinners, basking in the most prominent positions, preening in the radiance of public flattery, receiving honorary degrees, and getting called ‘Doctor’ and ‘Reverend.’

In describing the Scribes and Pharisees, Jesus said they do everything they do to be seen by men and to receive the praise and approval of men. The Message Bible says ‘their lives are a perpetual fashion show’.

It’s easy to point fingers at the Pharisees, but do we not do the same today?

Many religious rituals we do are to please and look good in the eyes of others. When you go into the motive for most of our giving and prayer and church attendance, you will find they are to please so and so persons. And it gets even worse when some believers will even do the wrong thing to please others. Some of us will engage in wrong and evil practices just so we fit in and please so called ‘friends’. I know some Christians who will engage in sinful acts if their pastors ask them to in the name of reverence. This is so wrong and must not be justified in any form.

So Jesus said,

‘Woe to you when all men speak well of you, For so did their fathers to the false prophets.’- Luke 6:26

Whose servant are you? Who is your Lord? Who do you seek to please with your life? Is it Christ, or is it some other man?

There is nothing wrong in pleasing your elders and authorities so long as it is pleasing to the Lord Christ. But when it is not right before God, STOP TRYING TO PLEASE ANY MAN WITH YOUR LIFE. At the end of this life, you will stand before God ALONE in judgement. ALONE , my friend!

Don’t forget the immortal words of Jesus,

WOE TO YOU WHEN ALL MEN SPEAK WELL OF YOU.

Why?

Because what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.” – Luke 16:15. Be guided by that, Child of God. Have a beautiful end of week in His Gracious Name. Amen.

              GRACEFUL MORNING