Beware of.........

Today's title doesn't really sound like good news, but Jesus loves us so much He wants us to experience the rewards in our life as opposed to what verse 47 calls "greater condemnation". And even though the beware warning is about the scribes in today's reading (Luke 20:45-21:19) , it had some aspects that surely spoke to me.

I'm thinking I sometimes get this "scribe spirit"  and start focusing on whether this "long robe" or that outfit will be liked by others or how those cute shoes are just what I need for satisfaction. Or some days it might be how fun it is to be asked to be on this committee or be recognized as valuable for that service. I, like them, love the greetings of friends and appearing like I've "got it together". My compassion for the lowest at times seems woefully lacking and why did I have to bring up all those latest and greatest accomplishments of the children?

God knows that getting free from this bondage of always looking good would end in true satisfaction. Maybe I'm more sensitive about this as my Mother-in-law and Father-in-law are coming today to stay with us a while. But whatever is going on, if we thank God for the situation (however humbling), He does give grace to free us from this "scribe spirit" and raise our sights to pleasing Him first.

Thanks you Lord for Your warnings and grace.