Attitudes & Actions

⁸This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. ⁹But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

-Matthew 15:8-9 (KJV)

One way we deny Jesus is by our actions and attitudes. How can you be true to Jesus if your actions or attitudes do not reflect that of God? Matthew 15:8-9 says, "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." Jesus is quoting from the book of Isaiah. It's not just enough to say that you are a Christian. Anyone can say, "God is great" or quote John 3:16. Becoming a Christian means to give up your wants and desires to do the will and desires of God. 

We bring honor to God with the songs we sing, with our prayers and with our speech. But, we need to have our hearts in line with God as well. I'm sure everyone has heard the saying, "Actions speak louder than words." Many times, people will forget the words that come out of your mouth, the words you speak about Jesus, but they will remember seeing you read a pornography magazine at the bookstore.

Look at this verse (8) a little closer. "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me." How many times do we sit in church, singing songs like "Amazing Grace" and our thoughts are not about the truths found in this great hymn, but instead are on what we will have for lunch after church? Or how often do we cry out "AMEN" when the pastor makes a point you agree with in the sermon, buy your thoughts go to the next workday? You see, we honor God with our praises, through our prayers and through our participation in a "worship" service. But, too often, that is all God gets from us. Jesus says in Matthew 5:20, "For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall in no case enter the kingdom of heaven." You see, the Pharisees and teachers of the law had the appearance of being close to God, the appearance of being right with God. They praised God with their lips, but their hearts were more concerned with keeping their own laws and doctrine, than praising God for the miracles that were performed.

"But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines and commandments of men." When we worship God, we are to worship Him with all our being. Too often, we tend to put rules on our corporate worship of God. One person says "You can't sing anything but hymns during the service." Another says, "You can't preach from anything but the King James Bible." Still another says "You can't have drums or guitars participating in the service." These are all rules taught by men.

Have you denied Jesus by the attitudes and actions that are present in your life? If so, then confess those bad actions and attitudes, and allow God to replace the negative attitudes with attitudes and actions that will bring glory to God. Think About It.