Title: “A TRUE CHRISTIAN DOES NOT LIVE A DOUBLE LIFE”
Quote: Mt 23:1-12
Date: Monday, 6th November, 2023
Author: Rev. Fr. Clement Quagraine
Beloved in Christ, in our quest to build our spiritual life as Christians, we may come across people who will definitely portray themselves as very good spiritual leaders. We should not be quick to acclaim, accept, or follow anyone who tends to portray himself as a spiritual leader or director, a Christian or spiritual father, or a teacher of faith. Some are often deceptive and tend to live double lives because they do not practice what they teach. This is a similar admonishment Jesus Christ gave to the crowds in the gospel of today (Matthew 23:1–12), in relation to the Pharisees. He tells them to focus on obeying and practicing the laws taught by the Pharisees; however, they should be careful not to follow in their footsteps. Sometimes it seems obvious that the deeds of these teachers of faith in the law, spiritual leaders, and spiritual fathers are accepted by God. It is not always the case, and if care is not taken, we may end up losing our faith by following their deeds. Remember, they may exercise the offices, but they do not possess this authority; God, our Father, and His Son Jesus hold this sole authority; hence, we should always look up to them.