We’ve all been guilty of it at some time or another-giving lip service-Verbally expressing our agreement with or allegiance to something that is later unsupported by any real conviction or action we’ve taken.
I’m concerned today that as Christians, even leaders and pastors, there is a plethora of “lip service” being given by those who claim to know Christ and those who so many look up to for spiritual leadership and guidance. I continue to pray that God will stay his hand of correction and punishment as we work hard to marry up our sincere convictions to the words we so eloquently speak.
I grew up believing that the African proverb, “what comes from the heart reaches the heart” was scripture. While I cherish the wisdom of years past, I rely solely on the word of God to guide me and direct my life and actions. Matthew 15:18 says this, “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man.” Jeremiah 17:9 says this, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” When I look at the word of God, I realize the grim reality that perhaps this is why there is so much hurt in the world. It is the deception we sow that continues to painfully sting the heart of others and hurting hearts breed deception and thus the cycle continues.
What is it that you hear proceeding out of the mouths of those around you? Profanity, predation, pride or prayer? It is only through prayer, a personal relationship with God and the power of the Holy Spirit at work in us that we are able to obtain a changed heart. Jeremiah 24:7 says, “And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the Lord: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart.”
Accepting Christ at a young age is enough for salvation but not enough for saintly living. I did that. I did believe that Christ died on the cross for my sins and I did believe that was enough. It wasn’t until I was in graduate school some 15 years later, that I cried out to God, “Lord, help me to find the love in you I continue to seek in others.” It was then that God began to give me a heart to know him.
A key to note is that God must give us the heart to know Him and operate in love at all times. He stands waiting but He will not force Himself on us. Our heart in any place other than in His hands is deceitful and only able to spread its wrath on others and aid us in the destructive patterns that continue to defile us.
One of the most hurtful things is to realize that someone you love is only providing you with “lip service” in return. I’m convinced that God sees us that way at times. I am admonishing you today, use those lips to cry out to God and allow Him to change your heart in such a way that you return completely to Him with a heart that is whole, exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit and able to love unconditionally. With that posture those lips and every other part of you is ready for “service” that honors God and draws all men unto Him!