EXODUS 9:27. “And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned this time: the Lord is righteous, and I and my people are wicked.” INSINCERE. Words without weight, Smiles only on the mouth, Eyes that seem too wide open, Feet that move shiftily, Fingers that move for no reason, Lips that seem dry.
Sweat – not from work, Words that seem softly sweet, Tone of voice that is syrupy, False humility that uses the right words; A change of attitude that seems too quick, A head tilted conspiratorially close.
A decision made out of character, Confession that seems rehearsed, Hands with sweaty palms, Too many things don’t add up – Affected sincerity is short-lived, I know – and so does God. “O God who looks on the heart, not on the outside as we do: I beseech Thee to keep me from ever passing on anything insincerely – even if it is truth. May Thy Spirit always direct my thoughts and actions in the path of true sincerity. Keep me from any form of deception that would lead people to misunderstand the truth of Thy holy word. May the words of my lips, and the thoughts of my heart always be acceptable to Thee, O my Lord. Amen.”