Day 276, or October 3rd. One small step for a
man or a woman. Our thoughts today come from
Matthew 9, verse 14. Then John's disciples came
and asked him, How is it that we in the Pharisees
fast often, but your disciples do not fast? And now the
big picture surrounding this verse. Most of today's
actions by Jesus take place once again around
the shores of the Sea of Galilee, probably in
and around Capernaum, which is right at the top.
Today this city is just an archaeological site
containing the remains of a first century synagogue.
There is also a house that many believe was the
house of Peter. and the place where Jesus healed
Peter's mother -in -law, as recorded in Matthew
8, verses 14 -17. Capernaum became the home base
for Jesus and his disciples, after his hometown
of Nazareth rejected him as Messiah. These two
cities are very close geographically, but their
attitude to Jesus was very different. And now
today's action step. I have found over the years
that often the world has higher standards for
Christians than many Christians have. Words like,
I never thought you would have done that, I thought
you were a Christian, or, as a Christian, I never
thought I would hear you say that. It seems that
other people often have higher standards for
us than we have for ourselves. Of course, we
shouldn't be putting on an act to impress others.
Jesus clearly teaches against that, but our actions
and attitudes should be different to those of
the world. These thoughts are not meant to put
you or me on the road to feeling even guiltier.
However, if you think your attitude could be
improved, why not ask God to help you today?
Take a word of advice and ask God's Holy Spirit
to particularly help you at home, because that's
where most of us are at our worst. Another thing,
don't be intimidated if your own list of required
improvements is as long as mine. Focus on the
one that catches your eye first, and with God's
help, make that your project for the week. Just
one step at a time. Walk, don't run.