But..at times we all are hypocrites. Keeping a promise, and sticking to your word is a powerful thing. You gain trust from other people and you gain respect. You just have a better quality of life it seems.
I failed to keep my word just last month. A friend of mine, Jess, was having a birthday party at a local bar downtown. I am fine with bars, but I don't typically drink. I was still planning on going however, because I wanted to show that I was her friend. Later I heard of a concert in town that I could get discounted tickets for. I began planning and inviting people to that. What I didn't realize was the concert was on the same night as Jess's party. When I realized this I talked with Jess to know the time frame she would be at the bar. She told me 6pm -10pm. The gates opened at 6:30p. The two places were a coupe blocks from each other. So I planned to stop by Jess' party before going to the concert. The day of the concert comes and I find out 3 hours before that the gates open at 6p instead. I decided that I couldn't make it to Jess' party because I wanted to be at the concert the whole time. I wanted a good spot. So without calling or texting Jess I didn't go to the party. So you see I betrayed my friend by going back on my word. I could have made time to stop by for a minute or two. I didn't HAVE to be at the concert for a 'good seat.' But I was selfish and decided that by entertainment was more important that celebrating with my friend.
The Bible gives us a great example of this as well.
In Matthew 21 Jesus teaches us this through 'The parable of the two sons:'
28 “But what do you think about this? A man with two sons told the older boy, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ 29 The son answered, ‘No, I won’t go,’ but later he changed his mind and went anyway. 30 Then the father told the other son, ‘You go,’ and he said, ‘Yes, sir, I will.’ But he didn't go. 31 “Which of the two obeyed his father?” They replied, “The first.”[h]
Then Jesus explained his meaning: “I tell you the truth, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do. 32 For John the Baptist came and showed you the right way to live, but you didn’t believe him, while tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even when you saw this happening, you refused to believe him and repent of your sins.
Jesus is talking to the leading priests and elders here. So he is saying that even though they are in this religious authority doesn't make them saved. If they don't live out the teachings of Jesus, they will not get into His kingdom.
To know the truth and reject it is worse than not knowing the truth and not coming near it.
The Priests and Elders have believe in God but they didn't want to live according to his rule. Just like I knew I should've gone to Jess' part but at the time I wanted good entertainment instead. The tax collectors and prostitutes initially didn't believe in God, they didn't know the truth. Later, after hearing John the Baptist speak (Matt. 3: 1-12), they believed and repented of their sins. See the tax collectors and prostitutes were obeying God better than the high priests!
Don't be like the high priests, Don't be a hypocrite.
Check yourself, examine your heart, let God examine your heart.Ask for forgiveness, repent of the wrongs you have done, and go forth and live a better life.
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