true religion

SCRIPTURE: Zechariah 7

OBSERVATION:
The people and their leaders thought that if they went through the religious exercises (offerings, worship, fasting, etc.) that God would be happy. But God makes it plain that what He wants is justice, mercy, compassion, good will towards others (this is what offerings, worship, fasting, etc. should be all about). He is not interested in showy religion, He wants changed hearts and lives. But the people refused to change. They were happy the way they were, and used religion to ease their conscience. But God was not impressed.

APPLICATION:
My focus at crossroads should not be offerings, buildings, programs, worship services, etc. My focus needs to be on justice, mercy, compassion and goodwill towards others. This is true religion, this is what God wants of us… of me. Doing minister duties is not my calling. Being a just, merciful, compassionate Jesus-follower is my calling. My task is to do this, and to help others do this.

How do I keep this as the focus of crossroads? We can become so church-focused, instead of kingdom-focused. Our hearts and minds harden into empty religious rituals, and we miss the whole point. A personal relationship with God through Jesus, and a Jesus-shaped life!

PRAYER:
Lord, it is so easy to get distracted by churchliness. I especially see this as a pastor. Keep my focused on You, and kingdom living. Push me hard in the area of living in a just, merciful and compassionate way.