The life and lips of a Pharisee

⁶ And he said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written,

“‘This people honors me with their lips,
    but their heart is far from me;
⁷ in vain do they worship me,
    teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’

⁸ You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.”  Mark 7:6-8.

Jesus nails the problem with most American Christianity with his statement to the Pharisees.  Publicly they let everyone know that they were followers of God.  But they did not practice his commands on a daily basis.  This style of living became a practice.  Hence, today we call someone who lives in such a fake way, a Pharisee.

Isaiah’s prophesy gives insight to the true problem, the heart.  You know, God knows and other people know where your heart affections are.  Lips can say all they want about love, devotion, appreciation, and thankfulness toward God.  At this point actions speak louder than words.

In a booklet by Campus Crusade there is a drawing that represents the dilemma of a life where Jesus in not lord of your heart.  There is chaos.

All of this chaos flows from a heart that is concerned first and foremost about ones self.  This does not mean they are not a Christian, although that is a possibility.  It is also more than just a resignation of ownership of your life to God, yet it starts there.  This is about seeking, hungering, thirsty, honoring, loving God as first in your life.  People will see, hear, watch what you truly value as important in your life.  It reveals itself in your words.

Here is a drawing of a person that allows God through Holy Spirit to be directing and leading ones life.

This is not just a one time decision to ask the Lord for help.  This is a continual relationship of honor and respecting the leading of the Holy Spirit.  This is not about rules of conduct, this is about living a full and meaningful life of following the path that the Holy Spirit offers us.  It we rebel and reject his leading, it is called sin.  We repent, agree with him that we chose our own way.  Ask for his forgiveness.  Then continue to follow his leading.  He loves us and will always lead us in the direction for the advancement of His kingdom and our greatest good.

Father, it is much easier to say that we are following the Holy Spirit than it is to do it.  But right now, we ask that you have the premier spot of directing our lives.  We submit to your leading.  In Jesus name, Amen.