“These people honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.”
- Matthew 15:8 ESV
I was sitting on the porch this morning watching my human drink coffee and read his Bible. Now, I have learned a thing or two about humans over the years, and one thing I have noticed is that they sure do like their religion.
They have their routines, traditions, favorite songs, special days, church buildings, and even favorite seats. Some know exactly when to stand, sit, bow their heads, and say amen.
But I got to thinking…
There is a difference between knowing how to act religious and actually knowing Jesus.
I have watched my human get ready for church. He puts on his good clothes, grabs his Bible, and makes sure he looks presentable. I don’t have much use for all that. I’m perfectly happy being who I am, mud on my paws and all.
But I wonder how many people spend more time getting ready to look like a Christian than allowing Jesus to change their hearts?
Religion can teach you how to look the part. Faith in Jesus changes who you are.
You can know Scripture without obeying it. You can know all the right answers and still miss the One those answers point to.
Jesus had some pretty strong words for folks who had mastered the appearance of religion but missed the heart of God. The Pharisees knew the rules, protected their traditions, and looked good doing it. But Jesus saw what was underneath.
Clean hands, but unclean hearts.
Religion can make us familiar with the things of God without ever bringing us into a relationship with Him.
Now, there is nothing wrong with gathering together, singing, studying Scripture, serving, or honoring traditions that point us toward Christ. Those things are good. But none of them can take the place of knowing Jesus.
Going to church doesn’t make you a follower of Jesus any more than sitting in the garage makes you a pickup truck.
Faith isn’t simply believing Jesus existed. It’s trusting Him as Savior, surrendering to Him as Lord, and allowing His grace to transform the way we live.
I suppose that’s something a dog understands. I don’t follow my human because I know all the rules of the house. I follow him because I know him, trust him, and know where my home is.
So here’s something worth chewing on today…
Are you practicing religion, or following Jesus?
Do you know about Him, or do you know Him?
Are you more concerned with looking like a Christian or living like someone whose heart belongs to Christ?
Religion without Jesus is just going through the motions.
Faith in Jesus changes everything.
Keep the Faith… Carpe Diem
