The Pharisees weren’t drawn to Jesus because they wanted to experience God’s power. They weren’t seeking transformation. They were checking to see if He followed their rules (See Mark 7:1-8).
Their traditions mattered more to them than the presence of the Messiah standing in front of them.
But Jesus? He always chose people over religion.
How often do I fall into the same trap?
How often do I expect behavioral change before heart transformation—in myself and in others? It’s easy to judge the external and miss what God is doing internally. But transformation takes time.
This year, I turn 50. And I’m still learning, still growing, still evolving into the man God created me to be. There is no “done.”
God is still shaping us—calling us to holiness (NOT perfection), waking us up to His love that has never wavered.
Heart vs. Performance
The Pharisees looked at others and called them unclean, unholy.
But they were the ones whose hearts were far from God. Their lips said the right things, but their worship was empty and cold.
I’ve been there. Maybe you have been there too. Maybe you are there right now.
I’ve gone through the motions, hoping my performance would make up for the fact that my heart was struggling.
I’ve shown up at church, sang the songs, and prayed the prayers—while still searching for something deeper.
I’ve treated my body, my marriage, my family, and my business like a checklist instead of a calling.
I’ve tried to meet expectations instead of pressing into relationship with God.
But here’s the truth:
We are called to so much more than simply going through the motions.
And even in our struggles, nothing can shake how deeply our Heavenly Father loves us. So if someone or some organization in your life has told you that you have fallen short, lean into the truth. God is okay with you falling short. That’s why we have Jesus.
What Does God Actually Require?
It’s simple.
1. Love God fully.
2. Love others fully.
3. Love myself as God loves me.
That’s it.
If we focus on these, everything else falls into place.
God may call us to things that seem unconventional. He may ask us to step away from routine and into deeper trust. He may call others around us to do the same.
And we have to be OK with it all.
It’s not about rules, rituals, or appearances.
It’s about Jesus alone.
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