OVERCOMING A RELIGIOUS SPIRIT

Today's readings from the lectionary are full of warnings about a religious spirit. A religious spirit sings worship songs, teaches right doctrine, and does holy acts, and yet misses the Kingdom. God is seeking something deeper from me.

The Israelites in Amos 8 sang songs and did the actions, but there was no justice in their lives, and they needed to repent. In other words, their worship songs were not acceptable because their hearts were not right.

What did I just write? Good worship isn't what God seeks? As a "professional" worshiper, that is a sobering thought. But it's true. He seeks worshipers, not just worship. He has plenty of worship in the heavenlies, right now. But He is willing to leave the 99 and search for the one lost lamb who needs repentance. If the lost lamb is singing songs, that's good, but it's not the same as being in the fold.

The church in Ephesus (Rev. 2:5) had their doctrine together. They did what most churches are not willing to do; they tested false teachers and exposed their heresies. They worked hard for Jesus and had not grown weary. But their hearts were not right.

What did I just write? Right doctrine and untiring service aren't what God seeks? Sounds like a perfect church to me! But it's true. God has a heaven full of angels serving Him without fail, and there is no heresy in heaven. But here on earth He is looking for something more. He wants love. The Ephesians were in danger because they had forgotten that first love they had for Jesus, and I can be just as much in danger if I start doing religious things out of duty rather than loving the Lord.

Jesus told the Pharisees that they were lost because they did everything for show (Matt. 25). They said long prayers full of spiritual words, they memorized Scripture, they wore holy clothing, and they were careful to keep themselves from the corrupt world. But their hearts were not right.

What did I just write? Prayer and separation from the world aren't what God seeks? These guys would be elders in most churches! But it's true. The Holy Spirit is the One to whom the Father listens in prayers, so He doesn't need our impressive vocabulary. And He looks on the heart, not on outward appearances. The Pharisees were cursed because they did outward acts but completely missed the character that comes from following God.

The fruit of the Spirit grows from a life that is focused on the Lord. I don't "work up" spiritual fruit, but God brings it from my life as a result of my living in communion with Him.

"LORD, keep me from trying to make myself a Christian from the outside in. I purpose to be a man of the Spirit, and to diligently watch for a spirit of religion. Kill religion in me, and place a relationship of the heart in its place. I ask You in the name of Jesus, who is one with the Father and the Spirit. Amen."
-ker