Once again referring back to the tongue, out of which the heart speaks! How does God view "pure" religion? In our actions! How we take care of people. How we refuse to let the things of the world interfere with the things of God. It is not all about the sacrifice but rather about the heart making the sacrifice. If the heart is right then we are right before God
I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings. Hosea 6: 6 (NLT)
Showing love is a sacrifice to human nature. What are we showing beloved? Are we showing the love of God or are we offering empty sacrifices honoring Him only with our lips? Are we quick to point out the rules of religion or are we striving to know Him more? The more we know Him, the clearer His voice becomes in our lives.
You see, God knows where you are today and He knows where I am. He knows where your lips are and whether you are representing Him with your mouth only. He knows where your heart is today as well. He knows if it is far away from Him by making lengthy prayers and emotional pleas while devouring others in the body of Christ. He knows where your worship is today too. He knows if you are worshipping Him in spirit and in truth or if you have surrendered your hands but not your heart.
Lastly, He knows where your relationship is with Him today. He is trying to draw you unto Him to draw you closer to Him. But He needs a pure heart to approach Him. He needs a heart that is set about doing the will of Christ; not the will of Christianity. He wants to develop your relationship with Him, not your religiosity. He knows exactly where we are beloved. The only question is do we know?
Reverend Anthony Wade August 13, 2010
