Spiritual Negligence

Matthew 23: 23 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.
We give the most to what matters the most to us. If you love your child you will make sure that child is loved and provided for, anything less than that would be called neglect. If you love your spouse you will emotionally support financially provide for, and physically satisfy, anything less would be neglect.
When it comes to God there is no difference. We bring our tithes, talents and time to God to show that we love him and we are committed. Jesus talks about how even the Pharisees give their tithe, that is 10% of their income to God. These hardened religious leaders have enough sense to give God a tenth but they are still guilty of Spiritual neglect. Many of us think that tithing is the most important litmus test to spiritual maturity. It’s important but there is something even more important. 

1. Justice—Social justice focuses on basic causes of oppression, inequity, and disenfranchisement. Charity or giving is essential but in itself is not adequate for meeting the persons need or needs of the group that person represented. (To serve this present age by Danielle L. Ayers and Reginald W. Williams Jr.)
2. Mercy—Compassionate treatment of those in distress, works of mercy among the poor. 10-11 Give freely and spontaneously. Don’t have a stingy heart. The way you handle matters like this triggers God, your God’s, blessing in everything you do, all your work and ventures. There are always going to be poor and needy people among you. So I command you: Always be generous, open purse and hands, give to your neighbors in trouble, your poor and hurting neighbors. Deuteronomy 15:10-11
3. Faithfulness. Staying committed to Christ. Your tithe is not something you can pick up and put down. We have to consistently live out our faith in Christ.

Dear God,
Help me to no neglect you by neglecting the least of these. Show me where there is a need to speak up for the poor, stand up for Justice, and help me remain faithful over a few things.
In Jesus Name,
Amen