“These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me” Matthew 15:8, NKJV.

Jesus said this to the Pharisees that did all the outward things to appear like they knew God. They walked in their religious exercises, they robed themselves and dressed like holy men. They said all the right things, however, their lifestyle, their genuine love for people, their pride, their hunger for glory, their motives, were far from reflecting the heart of Jesus and what He was really all about.

The pharisees had religion, yet no relationship. Religion wants the praise of men, rather than the praise of God. Religion only pursues going to church, yet relationship pursues being the church. Religion says look how they dress. Relationship says come as you are. Religion secretly seeks to be known. Relationship seeks to make Him known. Religion sees someone hungry and prays, “Lord help them”, while relationship will take them to the grocery store.

In these times, don’t focus on having an outward appearance of Christ. A heart of relationship is near to Him, and His love is made known to others. In these times, relationship is going to produce everything in your life.

Prayer: Father, thank You for speaking to my heart about having a relationship with You, not religion. I truly desire to know You and have a heart like Yours. Help me and help Your people to be like Christ and love like You in these times. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: 1 Samuel 16:7, Luke 10:25-37