Outward signs. Pretend sacrifices but no real inward changes. Practicing the ‘law’ or tradition with no adherence to the Voice of the Holy Spirit.
Outward religion with no real effect.
Matthew 23.
“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart— These, O God, You will not despise.”
Psalm 51:17 NKJV
“And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
Mark 12:33 NKJV
What good are your sacrifices if the Holy Spirit isn’t asking for them?
What eternal rewards will be reaped for our plans, efforts, and supposed sacrifices as we still refuse to listen to the areas and issues the Holy Spirit is asking us to confront and repent of?
Do you really need one week a year to remind you to think about Jesus? Do you think your minuscule outward half hearted efforts during this week will really make eternal ‘points’ with Him?
Will any of us be allowed to point at anyone else at our final judgment as to why we missed the point? Will we be able to blame anyone but ourselves?
This is religion. Outward traditions and regulations will no real spiritual effect.
How will God judge our efforts?
Do we really think He will be fooled by us?
Don’t deceive yourselves.
Are you in love with traditions or Him?