Serving God is rooted in the heart and evidenced by outward behavior that aligns with biblical principles. It begins in the unseen corridor of our being and then radiates outwardly.
So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving
them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, and made no
distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by
faith. Acts 15:8-9
God saw the hearts of these men and women and saved them and immediately filled them with His Holy Spirit. He acknowledged their sincere hunger for righteousness and truth, not merely by their external actions, but a genuine love for righteousness and truth in their hearts.
I don’t know any honest person who wants a superficial relationship with others. Of course, there are those who live by deceit, guile, and craftiness. These are the beguiling ones spoken of in 2nd Peter.
Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin;
beguiling unstable souls: a heart they have exercised with covetous
practices; cursed children: Which have forsaken the right way, and
are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who
loved the wages of unrighteousness; 2 Peter 2:14-15
The Greek word ‘deleazō’ is translated ‘beguiling’ in the KJV Bible and means someone who is enticing. It reveals the true nature of the individual, and not what they want others to think of them.
We all know criminals and prostitutes live by enticement and guile, but have you ever thought those same characteristics could be found in
the church?
Jesus and the writers of the New Testament were concerned about insincere believers who were wolves in sheep clothing, hypocrites, manipulators, or false brethren.
And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you: For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. Mark 13:5-6
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Matthew 23:25
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
Matthew 23:27
Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: 'THESE PEOPLE DRAW NEAR TO ME WITH THEIR MOUTH, AND HONOR ME WITH THEIR LIPS, BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR FROM ME. AND IN VAIN THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE COMMANDMENTS OF MEN.' " Matthew 15:7-9
And this occurred because of false brethren secretly brought in (who came in by stealth to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage) Galatians 2:4
As followers of Christ, we must guard our hearts from being molded into the world’s artificiality. There is so much hype in the world, it’s difficult to find the genuine.
However, if we ourselves love the world (the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:15-17), we will automatically start compromising godly values and begin to grow cold towards God. Then, in order to appear righteous before others, we start to go down the road of hypocrisy and ‘playing church’.
Years ago, while in Tanzania, I purchased a beautiful 'tanzanite' stone to have a custom ring made for my wife. I went through much trouble buying the stone from a ‘well-known’ jeweler in the area. When I returned home, I took the stone to a jeweler nearby and selected a stunning white gold ring to mount it on.
My wife has never been one for costly jewelry, but appreciated my thoughtfulness and wore the ring to special occasions from time to time.
After many years of not wearing the ring, she opted to sell it and sent it out for appraisal. To her astonishment she learned the ‘tanzanite’ stone was synthetic. We both felt highly disappointed, but especially me because I thought the stone was genuine.
Have you ever been in a relationship that was not genuine? Have you ever found yourself being disingenuous? It can happen.
When we do not guard our hearts, things can creep in that cloud our sense of judgement. We suddenly begin to follow the world’s methods and ways and not God’s. We then rapidly begin to live for “What’s in it for me” and become manipulators and deceivers.
Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23
When we are more concerned about what people think of us than what God thinks about us, we are heading for duplicity and hypocrisy. When we live like that, we no longer know ourselves because we are constantly wearing a mask.
God wants us to be transparent with Him, and then with others to the measure that it’s appropriate. It is healthy and freeing to be genuine.
Now when I speak of being genuine, I’m not suggesting an immutable mindset that’s impervious to change or an attitude of “That’s just the way I am… take it or leave it!”. We all need to grow to the full measure of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-13). We’re talking about sincerity and openness that let’s others know you are not being hypocritical or portraying something you are not.
Let’s not serve God with lip service, while our hearts are far from Him, but serve Him in sincerity and honesty. We’re also not speaking of perfection. He knows our weaknesses and frailties and will aid us in being more like Christ as we openly confess our sins, failures, and total dependency on Him. This kind of relationship requires transparency with our Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus.
No, we’ll not always feel like doing the right thing, whether serving God, loving a spouse, children, or others, but we can make a sincere heart decision to do so regardless of our fickle emotions. If you’ve ever felt reluctant to go to work, cut the grass, or clean the house you probably did it anyway because it’s the right thing to do, and you’re committed to doing the right thing in your heart?
Serving God can be like that because our flesh is weak. We may not always feel like obeying His word or walking in love and godliness, but it should be our primary aim and chief desire.
The Father desires a relationship from the heart. He’s not impressed by an outward show of service void of sincerity. He’s looking for true worship from His children. and can only receive our true affection and love. Jesus said:
“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:24
That comes from the heart!
Until next time, may God our Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ richly bless and keep you.
James Brown
CST 05/03/2024
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