What are modern examples of "phylacteries" and "fringes" in our lives? Setting the Scene “ ‘They do all their deeds to be seen by men. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.’ ” (Matthew 23:5) What Were Phylacteries and Fringes? • Phylacteries (tefillin) – small leather boxes containing Scripture, tied to arm and forehead (Deuteronomy 6:8). • Fringes (tassels) – blue‐threaded tassels on garment corners reminding Israel to obey God’s commands (Numbers 15:38-40; Deuteronomy 22:12). • Both were God-given symbols of devotion—but the Pharisees turned them into stage props for self-promotion. Modern Parallels—Same Symbol, New Wrapping Ways we can “broaden the phylacteries” or “lengthen the fringes” today: • Social-media spirituality – posting every quiet-time mug, worship setlist, or mission-trip selfie to collect likes rather than glorify Christ (Matthew 6:1). • Branded holiness – flaunting Christian apparel or bumper stickers while ignoring the heart behind the message (1 Samuel 16:7). • Name-dropping ministry involvement – casually mentioning how many Bible studies we lead or how early we rise to pray (Proverbs 27:2). • Platform-driven giving – donating only when recognition follows: plaques, seats of honor, or public thank-yous (Matthew 6:2-4). • Theological one-upmanship – quoting Greek and Hebrew to impress rather than to build up (1 Corinthians 8:1). • Church-attendance trophies – keeping meticulous record of perfect attendance while harboring unrepentant sin (James 1:22). • “Look-at-me” volunteering – signing up for visible roles but avoiding unseen, thankless service (Colossians 3:23). Why This Matters • God weighs motives, not optics: “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the hearts.” (Proverbs 21:2) • Hypocrisy hurts witness: outsiders spot showmanship faster than insiders (Romans 2:23-24). • Genuine devotion frees us from performance pressure (Galatians 1:10). Living Differently • Practice secrecy: give, pray, and fast “in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:4, 6, 18) • Seek quiet obedience: let unseen faithfulness outweigh public applause (Luke 17:10). • Invite heart checks: ask the Spirit to expose motives (Psalm 139:23-24). • Celebrate others’ unseen service: honor the backstage saints (Romans 12:10). • Keep Scripture close—in heart, not merely on display (Psalm 119:11). |
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