“But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut the kingdom of heaven in front of people; for you do not enter it yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in” (Matthew 23:14).
There are those who make rules and create barriers to the kingdom of God. The Lord loves each one of us and wants us to enter into an eternal relationship with Him. Beware the rule makers. Mind you, we need boundaries, but we do not live for those boundaries. If we live, then we live to the Lord. This world is filled with hypocrites and those who believe themselves superior. There is only One who is superior and that is the Lord God.
Lord, I continue to need the lessons which You teach me. I still need to be guided by Your wisdom. Keep me from being a doorkeeper and an impediment to others. Help me to live the life of hope in the promises that You have given me. Guide me in the eternal way of salvation so that I may grow into Your likeness. You know where I am a hypocrite. Take that out of me so that I may serve You with a pure heart.
Lord Jesus, none of us needs to prove ourselves to anyone other than You. Help me to humbly submit to Your leadership and walk the path of faith that You have set before me. Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to humbly go where You send me and do what You give me to do. Help me to not be a hindrance to anyone, but instead be an encouragement for all to follow You, our Leader of grace and mercy. Amen.
