COME TASTE AND SEE THAT THE LORD IS GOOD
Gen FX — Warnings of the Danger of Hypocrisy
Understanding EFKS faith for the next generation, Gen FX reflects on today’s EFKS message and scripture in clear, simple language, exploring faith, hope, and God’s presence in everyday life.
FAITH & DEVOTIONSGEN FXEFKS
10/11/20263 min read
A special Gen FX reflection on today’s EFKS message.
Weekly EFKS Theme:
The Gospel of Matthew — Warnings
📖 Bible Reading:
Matthew 23:1–22
(EFKS Tusi Faitau Aso)
Special EFKS Sunday:
Lotu Tamaiti — White Sunday
Dear Gen FX,
Today is Lotu Tamaiti, a special Sunday in the life of EFKS where our children take an important place in worship.
They lead, recite Scripture, sing, perform and share what they have learned. It is a day that celebrates children, but it also reminds the whole church of our responsibility to teach the next generation what it means to follow Christ.
That makes today's warning from Jesus especially important.
If we are going to teach our children about faith, they need more than words to repeat.
They need to see those words lived out.
THE READING, EXPLAINED
In Matthew 23, Jesus speaks about the scribes and Pharisees, recognised religious leaders and teachers of the Law.
His strongest criticism is not simply that they know or teach God's commands.
The problem is the gap between what they teach and how they live.
Jesus says:
“For they preach, but do not practice.” — Matthew 23:3
They place heavy burdens upon others but are unwilling to help carry them. Their religious actions are often performed so that other people will notice them. They enjoy places of honour, respectful greetings and titles that make them appear important.
Jesus points His followers in another direction:
“The greatest among you shall be your servant.” — Matthew 23:11
He then gives a series of warnings against hypocrisy.
The religious leaders are concerned with appearances, promises and religious technicalities, but Jesus exposes what is underneath them.
Their problem is not a lack of religion.
They have plenty of it.
Their problem is that outward religion has become disconnected from an inward life of humility and obedience to God.
WHAT THIS THEME IS POINTING TO
Hypocrisy is pretending outwardly to be something that our lives do not reflect.
Jesus' warning should make every generation of Christians examine itself.
It is easy to know the correct words.
We can attend church, quote Scripture, sing hymns, pray publicly and teach others what Christians should do.
Those things can all be good.
But Jesus asks whether the faith we speak about is also shaping the way we live.
That question becomes particularly meaningful on Lotu Tamaiti.
Children learn through teaching, but they also learn by watching.
If we teach them about forgiveness but refuse to forgive, they notice.
If we teach them about kindness but speak harshly about others, they notice.
If we teach them to pray but never depend upon God ourselves, they notice.
And if we tell them that Jesus should be at the centre of life, they need to see what that looks like beyond one Sunday.
WHERE THIS MEETS REAL LIFE
Think about a mirror.
A mirror does not only show us what we want other people to see. It allows us to look closely at ourselves.
Jesus' words in Matthew 23 should work like that.
It would be easy to read this chapter and think only about hypocritical people we know.
But the more useful question is:
Where is there a gap between what I say and how I live?
Lotu Tamaiti gives adults an especially important reason to ask that question.
Our children will eventually grow beyond the verses they memorise, the performances they prepare and the special white clothes they wear on this Sunday.
What we hope remains is a genuine faith in Jesus Christ.
And one of the strongest ways we can nurture that faith is to show them that Christianity is not something we perform at church.
It is something we live.
The children may lead the service today.
But every other day, they are also watching how we lead them.
ONE THING TO HOLD ONTO
The next generation needs more than faith explained to them; they need to see a sincere faith lived before them.
CLOSING PRAYER
Lord, bless our children and guide them as they grow in faith. Help us to live sincerely before them, so that our words and actions together point them towards Christ. Amen.
Signing off,
Alofa Tunoa
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Alofa Tunoa shares budget-friendly recipes, family meals, one-pan dinners, and Pacific Island inspired food rooted in Samoan culture and faith-filled home cooking.