Thursday, February 11, 2010

Thursday's thoughts

This morning I was reading in Matthew when Jesus quoted something the Lord says in Isaiah.
These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.
-Isaiah 29:13
Where are we taught the rules that make up Christianity? I've had several conversations with a great friend who has the privilege of leading jr. high and high school students in the discovery of Jesus. She has told me the differences in how a relationship with Jesus must be presented at varying ages/maturity levels, and I completely understand that.

I guess my heart just hurts to think that the "dos and don'ts" list sticks after high school. Perhaps because in college, several individuals hibernate their faith (which, let's be honest, isn't really possible). And maybe some of that has to do with the list that's been created. Then when they decide to come out of hibernation, the list still sticks.

There are numerous reasons that could be explored, deconstructed and evaluated. I'm not going to do that. I just want to encourage people to not let their worship of God be made up of ideas and rules taught by man. But rather, seek how Jesus lived and worship like that.

May the Lord grant you faith and courage, put purpose in your day and show you how to serve Him in the most effective way.


P.S.- Everyday Jesus stuff is in the works.