Isaiah 29:13. “Wherefore the Lord said, foreasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:”
THE MOTIONS. The spoken words flow from the speaker's lips, well thought out, but without power. The words seem right, the songs and hymns seem appropriate to the hour. To look on from a distance you would think all is well; this is the way it should be.
However, if I could look through God's eyes, what exactly would I see?
When they approach the place where God meets with them together, is their appearance what really counts? As they join their voices to worship and praise, is it from the heart or just their mouths? In demeanor when sitting and listening to others; are they as one when bowed in prayer? Is the focus on God and the purpose of gathering, or are they wondering why some are not there?
As the Bible is opened and the words of truth are read, do they follow along in their book? Or are they distracted by what another is wearing and wonder how they themselves look? As the explanations are given regarding truths contained in the reading and text - Is there real desire to learn from God's Word, or are they wondering what's happening next?
Are the thoughts expressed taken personally, or do we try to fit them to another? Do we accept the correction found there, or apply them to another sister or brother? When the exhortations are made, do we accept them humbly, or is there something deep inside - That steels itself against the admonition, and we feel they have injured our pride?
Do the children that watch their mothers and fathers, wonder with amazement at the change - Of facial expressions and tone of voice – is it different here than at the home place? Is there consistency here that is the same as at home, or are parents different when people are looking? Does father use the same words when he speaks out loud; is mother's expression the same when she’s cooking?
It is possible that we draw near to God in appearance but not in the heart. If that is the case, then we must stop the sham, and resolve to make a new start. Worship and service only have meaning if they are honest and true. Those who look on, and God Himself; they are reading “The Gospel according to you!”
“O Gracious Father, please help me not to be a fake! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”