Read Isaiah 28:1 through 30:33; Galatians 4:1–31
The old shoemaker calculated in his head and told customers exactly what they owed. He listened to others discuss current events and contributed to the conversation. No one suspected the man could not read or write. He hid his lack of formal education well.
The Lord says: “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught” (Isaiah 29:13).
The shoemaker’s deception may have been harmless, but spiritual dishonesty leads to serious consequences. People often claim to know God and follow Him, but may not live obedient lives. They just go through the motions of worshipping and serving the Lord.
We must make sure our worship is truly sincere and our hearts connect with our Creator. Hypocrisy offers an alluring temptation since our lives can keep us too busy to adequately attend to spiritual matters. Do not neglect what is most important.
CHALLENGE FOR TODAY: Resolve not to settle for routine religion.
©by Gospel Publishing House, 1445 N Boonville Ave., Springfield, Missouri 65802