No Pretense

No Pretense
“And yet for all of this her treacherous sister Judah has not turned to Me with her whole heart, but in pretense,” says the Lord. —Jeremiah 3: 10
Judah witnessed the destruction of the northern kingdom of Israel as they turned away from God into idolatry. Though King Josiah initiated spiritual reform, it wasn’t a complete reformation. Though they had become outwardly religious, inwardly their hearts were unaffected.
Today, many people might go to church, but only on special occasions or when it is convenient for them. Others attend church faithfully—out of habit. But even as they sit in the service, their mind is out on the golf course or where they want to go for lunch. Though their body is in church, their heart is someplace else.
**Many people today settle for a halfhearted relationship with God.
Jesus told the church of Ephesus that they had lost their first love. He told the church in Laodicea, “Because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth” (Revelation 3: 16). Rate your relationship with God. Is it hot, cold, or lukewarm? Do you have the same fervency you once had for God, or is the emotion gone, and you are operating now out of mere duty or habit? Is your worship genuine, heartfelt adoration, or is it merely a pretense?
If the Holy Spirit has shown you an area of pretense, an area where you have allowed your heart to be divided, repent and renew your commitment. God deserves true worship from you. He deserves your whole heart.
Father, give us a pure heart—one that is wholly devoted to You. Bring us back into a place of blessing, and a place where we can be a blessing to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.