From the Heart…

The expression “from the heart” usually refers to some kind words or a sincere expression of love or appreciation. When we say “from the heart” we refer to something more than words. But of course those kinds of words are not always an expression of love or appreciation, or even kindness. In Mark 7 the Pharisees and scribes are arguing with Jesus over the fact that Jesus and His disciples don’t ceremonially wash their hands according to the religious tradition. Then Jesus says this: 6 He answered and 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 And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’   Jesus is telling the leaders that they focus on the outward things, like washing hands, instead of genuine, true worship. Jesus quotes from the Old Testament prophet Isaiah through whom God is pointing out that the people worship God with “lip service” and not genuine worship.

This is a pretty easy trap to fall into. Genuine worship can easily be displaced by lip service; by doing things and saying things for a show or a demonstration. But when the words do not come “from the heart”…from the core of our being…from the essence of who we really are, then those words are not meaningful. Of course, God knows our heart.   He knows what kind of worship we are giving to Him. Let’s worship God from the heart. If that is not possible for you, then you need to have God change your heart through a relationship with Jesus Christ. If you have questions about this, I can help…and I mean that from my heart.