TUESDAY

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 23:23-24

Sadly, most of us can probably think of situations in which distractedness or misaligned priorities can create unfortunate ways of thinking about our walk with God and dealing with others. We often describe this as “missing the point.” In today’s passage, Jesus describes it as hypocrisy, a term that describes someone who plays a role. In today’s passage, Jesus highlights how things that may be fine in and of themselves (e.g., tithing spices) are not helpful to us or those around us when they are emphasized in ways that draw our focus away from the things that matter the most. No amount of accurate tithe paying can make up for participation in unjust, dishonest, or hurtful behavior. “Straining at gnats while swallowing camels” is the language Jesus uses. But the truth is that we can, at times, become rather fascinated with gnats, can’t we? And, in the midst of that fascination, we don’t even notice how much camel has crept onto our menus. Jesus invites us to get our priorities straight, attend to the most important things first, and be discerning and repentant when we get it wrong. This is important, not only for our own spiritual growth, but also for the credibility of our witness to those around us. While the world may not notice how good we may be at dividing up our spices, they are very aware of whether or not we are acting justly, mercifully, or faithfully in our interactions with those around us, and the things we give our support or energy to (perhaps wondering sometimes how much camel we are going to consume before we realize the disconnect). As you continue to reflect on this passage, consider the following:

• What are some of the gnats in your own spiritual life that you may be giving undue attention to, perhaps at the expense of other more important things?

• What are the camels that we might find ourselves consuming that we might want to consider taking off the menu?

• When we think about those in our community who may not be a part of our church, do you think they tend to think about us more in terms of the specific, unique things that set us apart, or in terms of things like the justice, mercy, and faithfulness that characterize our interactions with people around us?

• As you reflect on the passage today, do you sense an invitation to reorder anything in your life? If so, what might that look like for you today, and in the days ahead?

As you take a few moments to share with God in prayer what you are hearing in today’s passage, think about what this passage reveals about what is on God’s heart as you share with God what is on your heart.