The religious leaders despised both John the Baptist and Jesus but were not consistent in their fault-finding. They criticized John because he fasted and drank no wine; they criticized Jesus because he ate heartily and drank wine with tax collectors and sinners. Of course, their real objection to both men had nothing to do with dietary habits. What the religious leaders could not tolerate was their hypocrisy being exposed. The Pharisees were not troubled by their inconsistency toward John the Baptist and Jesus. They were good at justifying their “wisdom.” Most of us can find compelling reasons to do or believe whatever suits our purposes. If we do not examine ourselves in the light of God’s truth, we may be just as self-serving as the Pharisees. Sometimes we look down on others or twist the situation to our benefit. But let us look at their real value in Christ. Let us remind ourselves that we are accountable for all that is done, and see people through the eyes of God’s love.

PRAYER: Abba Father, let there be be more of you and less of ourselves in our lives. Amen.