DO THE RIGHT THING FOR THE RIGHT REASON

Isaiah 58: 1--11, Pastor Richard Strode

Isaiah emphatically instructed his people that worship is more than ritual--one's heart, mind and actions are the true demonstration of worship. This caution applies to those words proclaim a love for the Lord but whose actions focus on self.

In the New Testament (James 4: 2--3) echoes the same warning about unholy motives and prayer. Are we praising God in hopes of a return on our weekly investment of money and time? Life application lesson: let us include in our prayers blessings, gifts and talents which will also exalt God and help us serve as a testimony to those seeking only material gains. Remember people watch us to see if our actions match our evangelizing conversations. Let us be who we say we are in Christ.