Warning to believers

Faith in Christ gives life: eternal life in heaven and a holy life on earth.

Faith is good.

But faith is not magic and the first part of today’s Gospel (Matthew 23:1-12) gives important warnings that all believers should use regularly in their examination of conscience.

Do we live up to what we believe?

They preach but they do not practice.

Do we say what we believe bluntly or do we exercise our intelligence, imagination, and patience to enable other people to embrace the truth of what is right and what is wrong and the saving truth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?

They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry
and lay them on people’s shoulders,
but they will not lift a finger to move them.

Are we making a mere show of our faith?

All their works are performed to be seen.

May you and I truly live our faith in the name and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.