DON’T FAKE IT

ISAIAH 29:13-14

And so the Lord says, “These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. And their worship of me is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote.^[1] Because of this, I will once again astound these hypocrites with amazing wonders. The wisdom of the wise will pass away, and the intelligence of the intelligent will disappear.”

            The Apostle Paul quotes the Prophet Isaiah in his first letter to the believers at Corinth.  Isaiah is warning Jerusalem that their worship of God is a joke in that they mouth the words; yet do not practice what they say. Paul’s comments are concerning “the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters”(v.20). Their great wisdom has been made to look foolish. Paul is also speaking to the growing concern regarding divisions within the church.  There is one true and forever God. Jesus Christ, God’s Son is the only one thru which one may achieve eternity with God with sins removed.  “There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” [Acts 4:12]

            It is so easy to believe that which seems agreeable to us without seeing if it lines up with scripture.  Some teachers and preachers come forth spouting half-truths and feel good fiction to their utter shame and their listeners soak it up.  It is the responsibility of the true believer to become intimately acquainted with God and his words by spending uninterrupted time with him.  If the schedule is too clogged, jettison some non-essentials. Your spiritual life depends on it.

            Believers ought not to fake their devotion to the Lord as if he were unaware of our motives and non-believers must not accumulate man-inspired knowledge for both are insulting to Almighty God.  Man who thinks he knows best takes advice from no one.  Their arrogance only shines a spotlight on their incredible ignorance.  God will share his glory with no one^[2], therefore man’s greatest achievements amount to nothing in the end.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

NOTE: The Living Translation is used in these devotionals.

^[1] The Greek version reads “Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.”

^[2] Isaiah 42:8  "I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not give my glory to anyone else, nor share my praise with carved idols.”