Bible Reading: Exodus 7,8; Matthew 15:1-20
“This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.” – Matthew 15:8 (KJV)
All true worship must be done from the heart. When God created man He breath Himself into man thereby creating a space for Himself in man. However, He does not force Himself into man, Revelation 3:20 (KJV) says, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” He does not come in uninvited.
God searches the heart of any that claims to worship Him. In Jeremiah 17:10 (KJV) God said, “I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” This truth was revealed at the beginning of history when Cain and Abel worshipped God with their sacrifices. Cain’s sacrifice was rejected but Abel’s was accepted (Genesis 4:4-5). Abel’s offering was accepted because it was the “firstborn” – the best of his flock. It represented what was most costly, and he showed his love for God above all else by giving such a costly gift.
Jesus berated the Pharisees, who are supposed to be teachers of the law, for putting man’s doctrines above God’s thereby showing where their heart lies. Your actions and inactions in the things of God shows where your heart lies. Putting God and matters of the kingdom first emanates from the heart. You can deceive man by your actions, but God sees directly into your heart.
Relationship with God is a thing of the heart. Guard your heart for everything you do flows from it. Always give God first place in your heart. Believe His word in your heart. It takes commitment, obedience, sacrifice, etc, to live by the heart. Let God be your landlord today.
Bro. Worthmore Aghanenu