Wednesday; February 20

One of the most commonly held beliefs about religion is that our spiritual leaders want the best for us.  Now, I realize there are some skeptical people who perceive many religious leaders to be charlatans, but for the most part I believe the majority of the people trust the motives of those who lead their religious organizations.  Now, having said this, I don’t think it is a bad idea to do some investigation into what our religious leaders are wanting to get out of religion?  Do they do what they do  to promote their own agenda ... to make money ... to gather a following ... or do they do what they do to help those around them to be the best spiritual people they can be?  It may be good to give religious leaders the benefit of the doubt, but it is prudent that we investigate a leader’s focus.
When Jesus came to earth, He questioned the conviction of the religious leaders of His day while making a commitment to His disciples by saying, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.  All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them.  I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.  The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:7-9).
I hope and pray that your spiritual influences are doing what they do so that you will find a deeper relationship with God.  Those who truly seek what is best for those they serve will pattern their lives and their ministry after the Good Shepherd.
          Think About It!

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