“Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, saying: “The scribes and Pharisees have seated themselves in Moses’ chair [of authority as teachers of the Law]; so practice and observe everything they tell you, but do not do as they do; for they preach [things], but do not practice them. The scribes and Pharisees tie up heavy loads [that are hard to bear] and place them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves will not lift a finger [to make them lighter]. They do all their deeds to be seen by men; for they make their phylacteries (tefillin) wide [to make them more conspicuous] and make their tassels long. They love the place of distinction and honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues [those on the platform near the scrolls of the Law, facing the congregation], and to be greeted [with respect] in the market places and public forums, and to have people call them Rabbi. But do not be called Rabbi (Teacher); for One is your Teacher, and you are all [equally] brothers. Do not call anyone on earth [who guides you spiritually] your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. Do not let yourselves be called leaders or teachers; for One is your Leader (Teacher), the Christ. But the greatest among you will be your servant. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be raised to honor.”
Matthew 23:1-12 AMP
My Dearest MacKynzie,
We are living in a world full of leaders that live lives similar to how Matthew describes the scribes and the Pharisees of his time. World leaders down to a local level, people in power are making decisions that have a huge impact on the people they are called to lead. They claim these rules they impose are necessary and good, yet they themselves do not lead by example. They claim to follow Jesus with their words, but do not follow him with their actions. They sit on a throne and care more about their social media popularity and filling their pockets with earthly possessions than genuinely serving in the best interests of their people. We see in the Bible that the devil has used the same tricks for thousands of years.
‘Do not call anyone on this earth Rabbi (Teacher) or Father. The one that is your teacher and Father is not on this earth.’ God is our Father and we are to obey him above all men, even the men in leadership.
Many Christians cower behind Romans 13 (which by the way is mostly referring to paying taxes, not about blindly following tyrannical authority). It says ‘Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God [granted by His permission and sanction], and those which exist have been put in place by God. Therefore whoever resists [governmental] authority resists the ordinance of God. And those who have resisted it will bring judgment (civil penalty) on themselves.’ - Romans 13:1-2 AMP
We can’t follow Romans 13 without putting it into context and also considering this. Paul set an example that we must submit to those in authority in all matters that are NOT IN CONTRADICTION with the will of God. Do not use Romans 13 as an excuse to be complacent because it is easier. God calls us as Christians to do hard things. Standing up against tyranny and other matters that do not align with God’s word (even if it goes against the authority he has put into place) is what God calls us to do. Matthew says we will be hated for following Jesus because this will not be popular.
My loving advice to you. We can’t go into battle against ungodly practices and fight with the same weapons as the enemy. This means we hold ourselves to a completely different standard. We must study and know how to go into battle with the armor of God as mentioned in Ephesians 6:10-18.
1 Peter 2:9-12 says “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a [special] people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies [the wonderful deeds and virtues and perfections] of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Once you were not a people [at all], but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers [in this world] to abstain from the sensual urges [those dishonorable desires] that wage war against the soul. Keep your behavior excellent among the [unsaved] Gentiles [conduct yourself honorably, with graciousness and integrity], so that for whatever reason they may slander you as evildoers, yet by observing your good deeds they may [instead come to] glorify God in the day of visitation [when He looks upon them with mercy].”
Fight against the urge to become a keyboard warrior. Honor God with your behavior but don’t be scared to ‘raise a respectful ruckus’ like Allie Beth Stuckey says often. Like the verse says, practice and observe everything they tell you, but do not do as they do, though it is very tempting. Fight this battle with truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, spirit and prayer. Whatever you do, don’t sit back and become complacent. You are called for so much more!
My love to you and my prayer for an amazing life! Live to inspire <3 to create!
The purpose of this letter is to inspire my daughter MacKynzie to live a prosperous, God loving, joyful, legacy building life. Who knows, it may help you too. Please ‘like’ if you found this letter useful and please ‘share’ if you want to help inspire others. You never know who is watching ;)