Wednesday, May 8, Matthew 15:8-10

hey there!

OUCH!! These verses will hurt a little...

The following phrases help describe what Jesus was saying here:
"Don't do as I do, do as I say"
"You're all talk"
"You can't just talk the talk, but you gotta walk the walk"
"Actions speak louder than words"

All of these phrases and many others describe someone who basically doesn't mean what they say, they are just out to please someone.

In these verses, Jesus is referring to the Pharisees. The Pharisees were religious leaders in those days who considered themselves experts of the law- the law of Moses. They often thought of themselves as better than most- they were arrogant and unteachable. In some scriptures Jesus is bold enough to refer to these Pharisees as hypocrites!

This is a pretty cut and dry scripture about worship. Jesus said, "Their hearts were far away and their worship was fake."

So, how can this happen to someone? How can a person know so much about God, go to church their whole life, perhaps attend a private Christian school, maybe have some involvement in ministry, and even read the Bible just about every day... how can a person like this have a heart so far from God? How could they possibly be faking?

I have a couple of possible reasons:
Someone like this probably hasn't allowed the things they have learned and experienced from church, leaders, or the Bible to truly change their life by applying it to each area of their life. Many times, a persons relationship with God becomes so routine that nothing really means anything to them anymore. Sure they love God- they are a true believer, but there is no root, no inward change, the Bible holds no meaning anymore- the words role right off their back. But yet, they choose to act like they are worshiping.

Also, someone like this may not have truly found God for themselves. Their relationship with God is based on their parents relationship with God or even their friends relationship with God. They may look like they are close to God, but in reality, 'it's all talk.' None of the God-experience goes to the heart. As a matter of fact, if their parents or a certain friend stopped going to church or walked away from God- they would be right behind them- because that's the only reason they believe in God.

Do you have a dad or mom who is all talk? They say and promise so much, but they never follow through? Did you ever have a boyfriend or girlfriend like that? They put on the charm when needed, gave you stuff, said "I love you"- but in the end, none of it mattered...you realized they were faking. That HURTS!! You feel used, right?
That's exactly how God feels when we act like we are living for him- or when we act like we are worshiping him. And as much as we can put on the act for others, we can't fool God! He knows our hearts and our motives.

If these verses describe you, you may be asking how can I learn to be real with God and get rid of the act? Begin by softening up to God's word and finding ways to allow it to penetrate your heart. You will need your own Bible. Talk to God all the time, not about others- but about you and how you can better your relationship with Him. Find your own place to worship, your own style, your own words expressing how you really feel about God. Be teachable and humble- recognizing your faults. I think that's a pretty good start.

WOW-
now let your worship be more real and more meaningful than ever!!


I love you guys and pray for you constantly,
Pam S.