Talking Heads

“Then Jesus said to the crowds and to His disciples, ‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach…Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which on the outside look beautiful, but inside they are full of the bones of the dead and of all kinds of filth. So you also on the outside look righteous to others, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” Matthew 23:1-3, 27-28

Recently, I have taken to audio books. I have found a local library that carries a great selection of books on CD. Since I spend so much time commuting, I thought this would be a great way to make use of my time…multi-tasking. My children have found it fascinating as well. But some books have been cut short when I discovered language inappropriate for a 9 year old.

Right now I am listening to the classic, “Pilgrim’s Progress”. I have avoided this book because of its Old English. It is challenging to read. However, it has proven itself to be more challenging as I listen to it aloud.

The book tells the story of a man named “Christian” and his journey to the celestial city (heaven). Along the way, he meets many interesting characters. One of them is named “Talkative”. Talkative loves to discourse…about anything really. But he is particularly fascinated with the things of religion. He likes to talk about Jesus and heaven and other things of spiritual nature.

Christian soon discovers that Talkative’s understanding is purely head knowledge. Talkative knows a lot about the Bible and the things of God. But he does not know God. He likes to expound on that which is spiritual, but Christ and His holiness are not present in his life.

I will admit I was particularly challenged by Talkative. I was convicted to let God examine my heart and see if there is an offensive way in me. Was I also guilty of this same trait? Do I care more about how much I know of God and the things of God? Do I neglect knowing God Himself? Am I more concerned about gaining knowledge and parsing Greek? Or am I more concerned that God’s graciousness and tenderness is extended to my family and others in my life?

James tells us true religion looks after widows and orphans; those less fortunate and the disenfranchised. John tells us that true love is carried out in action and deed, not simply in word. However, it is not simply that we carry out our faith. It is the motive with which we carry it out. We can never earn the love of God through our good deeds. He loves us unconditionally. Yet, His love in our hearts compels us to carry out the Great Commission and the Great Commandment.

I pray His love would compel us to seek His face more. I pray His love would compel us to live out His love to others. May we be challenged to tell others we love them; to share what we have been given; to encourage the downcast; to correct the one gone astray; and to sacrifice time/talent/treasure for the glory of God!