Being Real

Matthew 23:23 ESV
“But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in.”

Jesus did not hold back on exposing the Pharisees and Sadducees in their hypocrisy. He told them that they would not enter into the Kingdom of God and they certainly were not leading the people into the kingdom of God

The Kingdom of God can be defined as: Where ever God is, under His rule enjoying the favor of God, doing the perfect will of God enjoying an intimate relationship with God.

I fear the religious leaders in our day and time are not much better as a whole. Pastors are preaching feel good messages giving the congregations just enough to keep them coming back but not ushering their people into the kingdom of God, to experience all that God has for them.

If we are not helping people to grow, to know God more intimately, to desire all He has for us, we have failed. Generally the problem starts in the spiritual lives of ministers. Many are not getting closer to God, praying fervently, doing their own devotions with God, seeking God’s perfect will and His perfect plan for their lives.

They are not asking God how they should lead people more efficiently and effectively. If they will not enter God’s kingdom they certainly cannot lead others into the Kingdom of God.

I realize it is not just up to the ministers, it’s up to everyone to maintain their own relationship with God. The ministers represent the Body of Christ, the church where people are coming and going every week. No matter what church you and I attend or lead, we are responsible to maintain our own relationship with God, to enter into His Kingdom and seek His presence everyday.

Prayer:
Lord, You are always drawing me to You. Never let me take my relationship with you for granted. Never let me let my guard down or get lax in my devotion to You. Keep drawing me to the throne!