“…the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith…”
This admonition by Jesus was given to the scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 23:23). It’s a warning to look at what we are valuing and what needs valuing. It also is a word to help us look at what we actually do and not just say. We all need to look at our lives and actions to discover if we are focusing on those weightier matters. And, if not, exactly what are we doing? What is more important than justice, mercy, and faith?
I’m one of those who believes we are living in the last days. All you have to do is to look around you to see and hear the violence that impacts everyone… daily. Leadership seems little concerned except for their own comfort.
“But know this that in the last days perilous times will come: For men
will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud,
blasphemers … unloving, brutal, despisers of good, …” (2 Timothy 3: 1-4)
While I haven’t listed all of the ‘characteristics’ from those verses, the ones I’ve indicated give a rather detailed description and we can see them on display. However, it is verse 5 that puts a period on the times – “…having a form of godliness but denying its power.” To me this speaks of arrogance and a self-blindness that is truly alarming. These people may not realize what they are asking from others and they certainly exempt themselves and their friends, but blind obedience should never be our response.
What we all need to focus on, regardless of the times and situations, are the weightier matters. We need to act with justice and mercy in faith. Not compromise. Not truth denying. All of us who count ourselves as Christians need to be circumspect – we can’t point fingers and say that they (Christian and non) aren’t doing it so that gives us license not to (fill in the blank). This won’t work, this is no excuse. And yes, we all stumble at times. But I also believe that the more often we do purpose to be and act with justice, mercy, and faith; the more this will become an ingrained foundation in us.
