Day 1 - Aug 5

The Truth Is Far More Important Than the Teacher

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the law of Moses. 3 So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example. For they don’t practice what they teach. 4 They crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden.

Matthew 23:1-4 NLT

One of the most frequent complaints I have heard from both Christians and non-Christians alike is the weirdness of some of the television preachers.  It is true that a certain extreme expression of our faith is way over-exposed and subsequently has pushed the pendulum of public perception way too far to one side.  If we can step back and consider these ministries with a slightly more objective perspective it can serve to insure that “the baby is not thrown out with the water.”  

Jesus reserved His most scathing denouncements for the religious leaders of His time, the Pharisees, Sadducees and Scribes.  In Matthew 23, Jesus attacks their hypocrisy and condemns their greed and selfishness.  These were the television preachers of the day, and Jesus didn’t care for their lifestyle at all.

But Jesus had enough sense to separate the message from the messenger.

Notice in today’s passage that Jesus says to “practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example…” In other words, truth trumps the teacher.  

Personally, even when a communicator is “not my cup of tea”, I’ve decided to keep an open mind and listen for God’s voice and His truth even when the method is unpleasant.  Also, if we learn to listen for truth, it provides a barrier against being too enamored with the charismatic communicator.  Some people are so gifted that we believe anything they say, and that can be very dangerous.

Regardless of how the message is packaged, the truth of the Word must be primary.  

Next time you’re tempted to criticize a minister, at least be open enough to listen to what is being said.  You might learn something important.