Monday, January 5 | The Danger of Religious Pride
Day 1: The Danger of Religious Pride
Reading: Matthew 12:9-14
Devotional: The Pharisees stood in the synagogue, more concerned with catching Jesus in a technicality than with the suffering man before them. Their religious fervor had become a weapon rather than a balm. How often do we use our spiritual disciplines as measuring sticks against others rather than as pathways to deeper grace? When we believe our righteous efforts earn God's favor, we become blind to both our need and others' pain. True faith recognizes that every good work flows from God's compassion, not our competence. Today, examine your heart: Are you working for God's approval or working from the security of already being approved through Christ? Let the gospel crush your pride and birth genuine compassion.
Reading: Matthew 12:9-14
Devotional: The Pharisees stood in the synagogue, more concerned with catching Jesus in a technicality than with the suffering man before them. Their religious fervor had become a weapon rather than a balm. How often do we use our spiritual disciplines as measuring sticks against others rather than as pathways to deeper grace? When we believe our righteous efforts earn God's favor, we become blind to both our need and others' pain. True faith recognizes that every good work flows from God's compassion, not our competence. Today, examine your heart: Are you working for God's approval or working from the security of already being approved through Christ? Let the gospel crush your pride and birth genuine compassion.