April 6
Luke 11:37-12:7
Do you find yourself more focused on having a transformed heart or simply external conformity? It is far easier to blend in to the behavior of God’s people than to gain a heart that reflects the love and grace of God. Jesus speaks to the greater value of our hearts than simply our behavior in Luke 11. Jesus addresses the most religious people of his day, the Pharisees. They were the seeming model and example of what it looked like to love God on the outside, but Jesus points out looks can be deceiving. The Pharisees were so focused on externals and similarly, were fixated on the externals of Jesus' life. They elevated their traditions to Scripture and, in doing, so missed the heart of God. In not living focused on God, they elevated pleasing others above pleasing God.
We can often do the same thing. We can easily conform to the ways of those around us, rather than seeking God and following wherever he lives, even if it seems distinct and strange to those around us. If we want to embrace the mindset of Jesus, we need to seek God as the primary leader of our lives. Then, we need to follow him wherever he leads. Finally, we need to make sure that our perceived love of God never pits us against loving people. Authentic love of God will always reveal itself in a deep love of others.
Father God, help me to gain your heart. Help me to move beyond simple outward conformity and be transformed by you. Amen.
Where in your life do you see a comfort with external conformity to religion, rather than seeking a truly transformed heart?
Do you find yourself more focused on having a transformed heart or simply external conformity? It is far easier to blend in to the behavior of God’s people than to gain a heart that reflects the love and grace of God. Jesus speaks to the greater value of our hearts than simply our behavior in Luke 11. Jesus addresses the most religious people of his day, the Pharisees. They were the seeming model and example of what it looked like to love God on the outside, but Jesus points out looks can be deceiving. The Pharisees were so focused on externals and similarly, were fixated on the externals of Jesus' life. They elevated their traditions to Scripture and, in doing, so missed the heart of God. In not living focused on God, they elevated pleasing others above pleasing God.
We can often do the same thing. We can easily conform to the ways of those around us, rather than seeking God and following wherever he lives, even if it seems distinct and strange to those around us. If we want to embrace the mindset of Jesus, we need to seek God as the primary leader of our lives. Then, we need to follow him wherever he leads. Finally, we need to make sure that our perceived love of God never pits us against loving people. Authentic love of God will always reveal itself in a deep love of others.
Father God, help me to gain your heart. Help me to move beyond simple outward conformity and be transformed by you. Amen.
Where in your life do you see a comfort with external conformity to religion, rather than seeking a truly transformed heart?
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