In this daily Bible reading Paul continues to speak of the Jewish leaders who rely on their position and appearance to save them from going to Hell. They believe that just being a Jew gives them favor with God. What they think, say or do will not be problematic for them. However, Paul points out that the thinking, saying and doing are all important.
Paul says that the uncircumcised or non-Jewish person is a Jew inwardly when he obeys God. The Jewish people are indeed God’s chosen people, but they must still obey God to gain His favor. In this regard, Paul says the following: “But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from man, but from God.”
I believe that many religious leaders today try to be popular with the people. They avoid speaking of sin and the consequences of sin. Accordingly, they preach ‘feel good’ messages and grow the population of their churches for personal financial gain. They appear to be righteous but are not truly righteous before God.
As humans, religious leaders are also tempted to sin. They may give themselves over to their sin, thinking that their religious position and standing will save them. However, it won’t. They must still walk rightly before God like the rest of us. The Bible says that they are even more accountable to God because of their positions of influence.
