Daily Bread 3-8-17
Matthew 5:19
Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
ref. - Jas 2:10 - For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
One sin, the other sin, all sin. Without the mercy and grace that is in Christ we would all perish. But there is a way to get past this and it isn't by our own doing. As a matter of fact, it is impossible for a worldly man to live without sin. But for a man who lives in Christ, all things are possible. We must be careful though, as many who tell all that they live for Christ are not what they appear to be. This is not for us to identify and gossip about but it is for us to strive not to fall into that worldly trap. This verse of scripture tells us, in the Sermon on the Mount, that if we brea k a commandment, and teach others to do so as well, we will be lightly esteemed or the lowest of low in the kingdom of heaven. But if we keep the commandments and teach them as well, we will be called great in the same kingdom. Right here and right now is not about failing and making excuses or trying to cover up our sin, it is about identifying our own sin and not only allowing Christ to take it out of us but believing that it may never return. Let's face it, not one soul truly desires to be the one at the bottom of the barrel. We have a God given instinct to want to succeed and excel at what ever we do. Not ending in failure but continuing in success. This scripture goes on to tell the people that unless their righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes they will not even enter the kingdom of heaven. So, what we must realize is that the scribes had carnal knowledge and what Christ wants us to have is Spiritual knowledge. And the beginning of wisdom is knowledge. So, we must pray endlessly that the Holy Spirit of God will have it's way in our souls and turn us to the holy and righteous people of Christ and not into they who are learned but not obedient. It is possible in Christ and no other way, so let us follow the one who can make us whole today, and for ever on!! Have a great day!!!