Devotion for Friday, April 18, 2025

“Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the temple, that is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple is obligated.’  You fools and blind men! Which is more important, the gold or the temple that sanctified the gold?” (Matthew 23:16-17)

This world values what it values.  Some things are seen as more important than others. The truth is that the Lord is above all things.  He tells us to speak the truth.  Either you will tell the truth or else you will not.  Why do you need to give an oath?  Does lying under the guise of a big oath make a difference?  Big or small, we are all called to be honest and fair.  Live the way the Lord intends.

Lord, I do get carried away by the games of this world.  I do think some things are more important than others.  Help me learn the simple way of seeking to be fair and honest in all my dealings and not seek a way to sneak around things.  Guide me out of the pit of the thinking of this world and into the light of the eternal truths You have revealed.  You are more important than everything else.

Lord Jesus, take away my blindness and foolishness.  You are above all things.  Help me to live this life You have given me with right priorities.  Take me out of this world’s thinking and into the light of the truths You have revealed once for all.  In You, Lord Jesus, I can learn how to live into the true life which is eternal.  Guide me, Lord, and help me to be led by You.  Teach me to become like You.  Amen.