“This people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honoureth Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me. But in vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” (Matthew 15:8,9)
After fifty years of marriage, a man and a woman still didn't speak much to one another. Finally, the wife was unable to contain herself any longer. “Why don't you ever tell me you love me?” she exclaimed. He looked at her and said, “I told you I loved you fifty years ago, and if I ever change my mind, I'll let you know!”
We all want to hear “I love you,” particularly from the people who mean the most to us. God is the same way. He enjoys hearing us praise His Name, His Person, and everything He has done for us. Telling God that you love Him is all that praise is. Every day, we should approach His gates in thanksgiving and His courts in praise and adoration. Not because we have to do this, but because we get to express our love and devotion to our Lord and Savior, we should begin and end each new day that we are granted the gift of life with praise. What an honor!
However, Matthew 15:8 states that simple words are insufficient. Have you ever heard someone say they care about you or that they admire you, only for you to later discover from their actions that it was all just cheap talk? The adage “Actions speak louder than words” is well-known and precise. The declaration of true love will include both words and actions.
The person who gives empty, meaningless praise is warned about in Matthew 15:8-9. How would you describe someone like that? He is often described as having a heart that is far from God, despite speaking the right things. God declares in 1 Samuel 16:7, “. . for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” You see, a smooth tongue and flattering lips will not fool God. God has a clear understanding of our true selves.
Do you give thanks to God daily? If so, is that adoration of the One who deserves all of your praise expressed in both speech and deed, or are you merely paying cheap lip service to Him?
Prayer: Thank You, God, for the blessing of praise. I want to adore You both in my life and with my lips. Forgive me when I merely pay cheap lip service to You rather than engaging in genuine worship from a surrendered heart. In Jesus' name, Amen.
