²³ “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things. ²⁴ Blind guides! You strain your water so you won’t accidentally swallow a gnat, but you swallow a camel!

²⁵ “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of greed and self-indulgence! ²⁶ You blind Pharisee! First wash the inside of the cup and the dish, and then the outside will become clean, too.

Matthew 23:23-26

Dear God, maybe I need to do a better job of cleaning the inside of my dish. It is so easy for me to read this passage and sit in judgment over the Pharisees. But is this for me this morning? Do I allow for external things to become my priority, but allow internal things to corrupt my heart? Am I majoring in the minors and ignoring the majors? Of course, the answer is yes.

It would be so much easier if I could just sit here and judge others, but that’s not your call on me. No, you want me to start with the inside of my cup and dish. How do I spend my time? On what things of this world do I let my heart dwell? What do I allow to cause me fear? I could go on and on with these questions this morning, and all of the answers will disappoint me–and you.

Father, I’m sorry for my sinful heart. I’m sorry for the selfishness I resort to when I get pressed. I had a frustrating day yesterday, and I could have responded to it much better. I’m sorry. Be with me today. Holy Spirit, guide me today. I have relatives and friends who are experiencing health crises. Heal. Comfort. Teach. Unite. Bring repentance to all of us through these difficult situations. Use the pain of each struggle in our lives to further mold us into your worshippers and lovers. I do love you, Lord.

I pray all of this in Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen