How to Be Hated in 3 Simple Steps — Thursday
Matthew 23:3
“So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.” (NIV)
“Hi, my temporary license is expired, but I haven’t received my new one in the mail yet. I’m just here to—”
“Do you have all of your required documents?” She cut me off, stopping me at the entrance of the DMV.
“I—uh, yes… right here,” I said, fumbling through the manila folder. Searching through the documents, she pointed to the electric bill I’d brought as proof of residency.
“This is postmarked for last month. Where’s your one for this month?” she interrogated.
“Well… I haven’t received it yet,” I explained. “But it’s less than thirty days old like the website said…” Ignoring my explanation, she waved the temporary ID in my face.
“This is expired,” she said bluntly. Considering that was how I’d started the conversation, I may have responded with a hint of sarcasm.
“That’s actually a big reason why I’m here. Other than I just love seeing you guys...” I winked.
“Sir, do you have an appointment?” she responded impatiently.
“I don’t. When I called and told them I hadn’t received my new ID, they told me they would mail it here.”
“Who told you that?” she rolled her eyes in disbelief.
“Her name was Sherry...” I responded.
“What did she look like?” she questioned. Knowing this woman probably wasn’t going to help me, I decided to cut my losses and have some fun.
“Well, like I said, I spoke to her on the phone… but she sounded like a brunette…”
In case you’re wondering—I didn’t get my ID that day. In fact, I’m surprised she didn’t have me arrested. But as frustrating as that interaction was, I know that Jesus had to put up with a lot worse.
Jesus spent the majority of His ministry being questioned by Pharisees—a group of religious teachers always in search of someone breaking the rules. But Jesus knew their hearts were far more interested in disqualifying people than they were in helping them. This is what legalism does to our faith.
Jesus knew the importance of obeying God’s Word, but He also told us to model ourselves after Him—not the religious elite. The Pharisees never practiced what they preached, but Jesus never preached anything He didn’t practice.
Jesus gave us the perfect example of how to obey God’s Word. But the really cool part is—He’s always more than willing to help us as we do.
Thursday’s Reflection
How can you follow Jesus’ example today? What are some areas you need His help in?
