- “But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments.
- They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues,
- greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’ “
Matthew 23:5-7 (NKJV)
• Some want to impress other people; they want people to believe that they are good and godly–they want others to reverence them.
- They outwardly look pious and sanctimonious, but on the inside they are full of evil (Matthew 23:27,28).
- Let what you portray or depict outside be what you are on the inside (Matthew 23:25,26).
“Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.”
Matthew 23:28 (NKJV)
• Do not try to impress men, but rather strive to please God.
- Men may revere you, honour you, because you look piously; albeit, that may not earn you any blessings, benefits, or rewards from God.
- It is not what people say about you that matters, but what God says about you.
“But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; FOR MAN LOOKS AT THE OUTWARD APPEARANCE, BUT THE LORD LOOKS AT THE HEART.”
1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV)
• Some would not want to obey or do what God has instructed them to do, because of what people will say–they want to please human beings.
- In your walk with God, always strive to please God–if pleasing God would displease men, you rather choose to please God, not men (Matthew 10:27,28).
- “Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops.
- “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Matthew 10:27,28 (NKJV)
• You will not fail in Jesus’ name.
Peace!