You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men ~ Mark 7:8

The Pharisees where hypocrites. Their hearts were far from God. They placed tradition above Scripture. Their actions demonstrated that they really did not know God. Their hearts where not set on God, but rather on themselves. Their rules had replaced God's grace in their lives. They had appointed themselves as God and insisted that others should follow their ways or they would perish.

Sadly the Pharisees desire for holiness overshadowed God's grace. Their hearts were closed to God. How often do we act the same way? How often do we try to be holier than God Himself? We make nice rules for ourselves and decide that we shall suffer for them. We we do so, we have made our own religion.

Now, as this relates to modern day Christians, we must heed the warning of the Pharisee's example. We should not, by our actions, seek to be more "spiritual" than God. We are called to follow His ways as they are laid out for us in the Scriptures. We should resist the temptation to deny ourselves of all good things because too much of a good thing could be bad. We are called to a life of freedom, not as a licence to sin, but to be free. Why do some people tie their own hands? I understand the reasons for personal convictions and commitments to God and that is not my concern. My concern is the attitude that a Pharisee would impose on a brother when that brother does not follow his personal convictions.

So be warned. A Pharisee starts out with his heart in the right place but too many rules lead him astray. Have your own committments, but do not impose your law on others. Be gracious to brothers who are weaker or stronger than you. Be humble in all things, for God loves humility.

:md