Beware anything you do or believe that makes you feel special. Appreciate the significance of ordinary challenges

John 5:21-26

Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’; and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire.So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.”

Pay attention to the details of your particular life situation and make good decisions. Religious rituals and beliefs exist to support your efforts to love your neighbor as yourself. God does not need you to believe in him or your rituals. They are there to support you, to give you comfort and rest after your hard work being a peacemaker in this world. You may face some scorn and be tempted to retaliate. You will feel like you are making no progress. You will be tempted to spend too much time absorbed in religious ritual and words. Jesus is pretty clear that you will be missing the boat, in this world, and the next.