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Scripture: Mark 7:1-23
Song: Open My Eyes, That I May See
Self-deception is the bane of conservatism. When a people like the Pharisees are a people of the Book, they can begin to put their confidence in their possession of the truth. They can take on airs of superiority since, after all, they have discovered the truth while others miss it completely or only possess part of it. They can begin to glory in observing their religion according to the rules and so pride themselves on their conservatism that they excuse an unclean heart.
How is it that preachers wind up adulterers? How is it that elders and deacons can quit the faith? How is it possible that Christians of long standing can slip back into the beggarly elements of the world? It happens when religion is rendered a shell.
It happens when men go through the motions of weekly worship, of getting up sermons, of preparing lessons, of shaking hands and occupying pews, of citing book, chapter and verse. What somehow, sometime stops is the introspection and reflection on where they stand. What ceases is secret prayer and private study and personal meditation and time alone with God.
It’s your heart God is after, not just your sacrifices, not just your ritual. Your stand for truth is no good if the truth doesn’t stand in your heart. Cleanse the inside of the cup and God will be pleased.
Jason Moore
