Like the Pharisees of old, we Christians have a way of majoring in the minors—dividing over matters
insignificant to vital Christian faith. I have heard of churches splitting over such petty matters as the
location of the piano and the serving of meals on Sundays.
What must be first in our lives? Not the externals, but the eternals: righteousness, peace, and joy.
Where do they come from? The Holy Spirit of God. If each believer would yield to the Spirit and
major in a godly life, Christians would not be fighting with each other over minor matters.
If we fail to keep our spiritual priorities in order, how can we expect to see the harmony so essential
for healthy church life?
Verse for today: “Woe to you, teachers of the Law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth
of your spices—mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the
law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the
former” (Matthew 23:23, NIV).
More to read: Matthew 23:13-32; Romans 14; 1 Corinthians 8:9-13.
Action assignment: A normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. If you gave your church
a “body temperature reading,” would it be abnormally low, high, or normal?
A low reading might indicate lethargy.
A high reading might indicate heated argumentation, disharmony, and strife. What factor(s) might be
contributing to a less-than-ideal situation in your church? List as many as you can think
of:_____________________________________________
Commit these to God in prayer, asking Him to show you how you can be an instrument of His
righteousness, peace, and joy.
WARREN W. WIERSBE
www.backtothebible.in