This chapter details done of the great evils in the land of Judah.
“Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, make offerings to Baal, and go after other gods that you have not known, and then come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, ‘We are delivered!’ – only to go on doing all these abominations? Has this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, I myself have seen it, declares the Lord.” (v9-11)
Are we “Sunday morning Christ followers”? Meaning, do we declare Jesus as Lord when we’re in the presence of the church body, and go on living worldly lives the remainder of the week? That’s essentially what Judah was doing. They only ‘followed God’ when at the temple (when present with God and His other people).
Let’s be careful to have integrity in our lives. If we believe Jesus is our Lord, and we declare that with our mouths, then we need to live each day like that’s true. It’s great to follow Jesus when we’re with other believers, but it’s even better to set a Christlike example to non-believers. How will Jesus’ kingdom be built / expanded, if we only reflect Jesus to other Christ followers? Also, if we only follow God at the surface level, are we actually fooling God, or just ourselves?
Father God, our Magnificent and Sovereign Lord, we humbly seek Your gracious forgiveness. May we live redeemed lives every day of the week, not just in the presence of Christ followers. May we set consistent examples in every area of our lives that show integrity of beliefs, words, and actions. May we honor You in all we say and do, constantly reflecting Jesus, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training