They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. (Matthew 23:4 ESV)

What Jesus is referring to is the act of burdening people with a double standard. The Pharisees were known to make up a bunch of rules but would never hold themselves to them. They used their authority to keep their positions while oppressing people with senseless decrees. Possessing a title and honor were their motivators and they would protect them as much as possible, even if it meant forcing guilt on those whom they considered as a lower class.

Jesus warned his students that any measure of judgment that they place on a person will also be used against them (Matthew 7:1-2). Once you hold a someone to a rule or law, you must subject yourself to it also, lest you become an unreasonable hypocrite.

So let is examine ourselves. Do we follow the same rules and are we role modeling those same expectations? Are we willing to do the very things that we ask others to do? Any man who calls himself a leader understands that he is being examined under a microscope. His constituents cautiously assess him for credibility because they do not want to trust someone who does not practice what he preaches.

As a leader, I never want to ask my colleagues to do more that what I am willing to do. It just wouldn’t be fair. If I ask them to help another team mate, then I better be first to volunteer my assistance. And if I make a request to tidy up our work areas, then I must also take out the trash.

Having a title and honors is not a bad thing. However, it is what the person does with them that matters. Will he use them as pedestals to stand above his people, or will he relinquish them to foster a culture of service by serving others? The former leads from a distance, whereas the latter is relatable and not afraid to work as a a fellow team member.

Double standards have no place in the heart of a Christian, and I am certain that the Holy Spirit will let you know about them. And if he doesn’t bring anything to mind at this moment, then it would be wise to call a few honest friends and listen to what they have to say about you. You just might be surprised.