Today's Devotional

 

 February 27, 2009

                                                                                                                     

Subject:  Just Going Through The Motions 

Matthew 15:8 "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me."

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I was working out in the gym this morning and like most every day, I was trying to concentrate as I slowly lifted the weights.  Today was a good day and I was feeling the weight as I lifted it.  It's not always that way.  Some days I try to do the same and I don't feel it as much.  Some days I feel as if I'm just going through the motions.  Over the years I've learned that it is quite necessary for me to be mentally as well as physically prepared when I go to work out in order to receive the maximum benefits from the experience.

Clearly this has many parallels in the Christian life.  Sadly, many of us are "just going through the motions" of our Christianity.  I've heard and read a million stories from believers about how how people were faking their Christianity and portraying to "live the life" for whatever reasons.  Here is a recent one:

We were at my uncle's funeral two days ago and during the portion of the funeral where remarks are given, several people, some ministers, had been up to make parting comments about the deceased.  When it was finally this young lady's turn, before she even approached the microphone, she was professing loudly the goodness and grace of God, "Hallelujah, Thank You Jesus, Praise God..."  She was truly giving Him honor.  When she got to the microphone she immediately switched and began with stating that she was their to represent "the domino players."  I was shocked as she went on to detail in a most favorable light how good my uncle was at gambling and playing dominoes.  

The scripture talks about how many people proclaim Him with their mouth, but their hearts are nowhere near Him.   That is "going through the motions."  The problem with going through the motions is that there is no benefit in the end.  Just like lifting my weights, no muscle is developed when I'm just going through the motions and with God, no godliness is developed by us just going through the motions.  Get real with God today.  Honor Him with your lips and your lives.     

Carlen