A Clay Jar

Encouraging, comforting, and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. (1 Thess. 2:12 NIV)

Giving Lip Service to God

Isaiah 29:13

Published on:

Last Updated on:

The Lord says:
“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 based on merely human rules they have been taught.

Isaiah 29:13 NIV

When I first read this verse, it is easy to be a bit smug and judgmental. After all, there are many people all around me who seem only to be giving lip service to God, practicing a watered-down form of Christianity that requires no real commitment on their part.

But on second look, I realize that I need to look first at myself. I talk a lot about living a life in Christ. And I go through all of the motions of being a good Christian. I tithe, and am regularly in attendance at a local church. I pray and read my Bible regularly. And I am in several home Bible studies, even leading one.

But how much of that is merely an outward veneer, hiding what lies within? Is my heart really fully given to the Lord? Or am I only giving him a title of who I am?

The question I need to answer is, is God satisfied with me? Or would he say about me something similar to what He says to the Jewish people through Isaiah? That I honor him only with my lips and not my heart. In the end, what I have done is not nearly as important as what I have become. Is my heart in tune with God? Is he the one I value more than anything else?

Disclaimer

The views expressed here are solely mine and do not necessarily reflect those of any other person, group, or organization. While I believe they reflect the teachings of the Bible, I am a fallible human and subject to misunderstanding. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions about this post in the comments section below. I am always interested in your feedback.

If you have found value in this post, please consider subscribing to A Clay Jar so that you don’t miss any other posts. 

Additional Related Posts

If you have found value in this post, please consider sharing it with your friends.

Subscribe to A Clay Jar

If you have found value in this post, please consider subscribing to A Clay Jar so that you don't miss any other posts. 

Ed Jarrett

Just an old clay jar that God continues to see fit to use in his kingdom's work. I am retired, married with 2 children, and 4 grandchildren. I have followed Jesus for many years. And I love to share what He has given me from His word.

A Note to Readers

The views expressed here are solely mine and do not necessarily reflect those of any other person, group, or organization. While I believe they reflect the teachings of the Bible, I am a fallible human and subject to misunderstanding. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions about this post in the comments section below. I am always interested in your feedback.

2 thoughts on “Giving Lip Service to God – Isaiah 29:13”

  1. As I was reading this, I asked myself these questions. And had to be honest, because God already knows. And you are right, We are always to look at ourselves first.

    Thanks, a good devotional.

    Reply

Leave a Comment