In Matthew 15 the Pharisees and Scribes come to Jesus and challenge Him on the law and their own manmade traditions.  They continually try to trap Jesus with these challenges yet Jesus doesn’t take the bait. Rather He is able to respond to them by pointing out how they have twisted and added to the Old Testament laws.
          I am challenged again by thoughts that I hold near and dear to myself.  What traditions do I cling to for dear life? What am I lacking in understanding that causes me to attempt to keep the letter of the law? Recently, I shocked my daughter during a conversation about tattoos. I should have taken her picture when I told her that I have come to the conclusion that my issue with tattoos is simply that I do not find them very attractive. It wasn’t about chapter and verse that I could point out; it wasn’t a “holier than thou” opinion. I simply have become aware that tattoos are not important but the souls and hearts of others should be my concern. I don’t post this for controversy. This is between my legalistic heart and God working in me to love above all else. You may not feel the need to bring the tattoo question before the Lord, but I am sure each of us has one “legal” matter we would like to ask Jesus about. At the least, we would want Him to agree with us. At the most, He would rather we agree with Him. Are we willing to have Him change our hearts on a matter?

Blessings,
Kathy Withers

Kathy’s on staff at America’s KESWICK in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 27 years.  They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local Church and has taught Sunday School and Bible Studies for women. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God’s Word.