S) "25 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence. 26 You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may become clean also."
Matthew 23:25-26 (NASB)
O) There are eight woes that Jesus listed, in vv.13-33, and they each warn against various forms of hypocrisy. Many of them are pretty specific, but this one is different. While the issue of cleaning dishes is specific, the root of their hypocrisy in this example, is pretty vague. Robbery and self-indulgence are both manifestations of pride. The Pharisees weren't actually doing the bare-minimum. They were actually only doing enough to appear as the bare minimum.
A) When I first read this particular woe, it didn't take long for me to feel convicted. With so much of my free time (usually at home), I am seeking self-indulgence. I am seeking to do what I want to do. Even as I typed that last sentence, I was convicted for calling it "free time," and I thought maybe I should edit out the "free," and then it occurred to me that the cost of the time isn't the issue. The problem is me. It isn't my time at all, regardless of its cost or appropriation. I do not rob God of my tithes (see Malachi 3), but I think I have very much robbed Him of His time. I get so wrapped up in my desires. Pretty much any hobby runs the risk of becoming an idol in my heart. Am I seeking self-indulgence with my time? I've heard people say that our bank statement should convict us as Christians. That speaks to the money I spend, but what about the time I spend? If I am giving an account for how I spend the time that the LORD has given to me (which is a much more accurate way to phrase that), what would that accounting say? I should be convicted about how I spend my time, because it speaks directly to the desires of my heart, just like my wallet does.
P) Father, I am humbled by everything You have given me. Recently, I have been so blessed by the schedule change I have at work. Moving locations has essentially given me 3 hours at home, that I didn't have. So far, I've mostly been spending that time in self-indulgence, stealing the purpose You might very well have put in that time. Open my eyes and ears, Father, because I want to spend this time wisely, according to Your will. I am so thankful, that You give me time. You have been as faithful in providing time, as You have been in providing money, for me and my family. I don't want to waste either. Let the Holy Spirit burn in me, so I see where I have been wicked. I don't want to cut corners, doing less than the minimum, because I'm so wrapped up in my heart's evil desires. Create in me a clean heart, and let Your desires become my desires. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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