Tuesday February 19, 2013

By: Brandon Bilbo

Bathroom Gossip

Matthew 15:8 "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me."

My little sister Bethany has always been full of personality AND very loyal.  Those two qualities combined contribute to today's story.  When Bethany was a little girl, she overheard two ladies in the restroom talking very negatively about the Pastor and sermon after church.

Shortly after, she heard these same ladies now praising the Pastor for such a job well done.  Perhaps for most children this would not have been a big deal, but for us, the Pastor was our Dad. So, my sister could not remain silent.

She drew closer to my dad and let out a big "hmmmm" as her eyes got bigger and her body tensed up.  As the ladies continued to sing my dad's praises to his face, she continued with her sighs.  Later, she explained her behavior to my father.

People often hear stories of the "Pastor's Kids" (or "PKs" as we call them) wanting nothing to do with church.  For many of these kids, they carry the hurts and rejections of their parents and consequently want nothing to do with the ministry.

I thank God that my sister and I still have a passion for God and for the ministry as well.  However, today's verse caused me to remember that story and to consider how GOD must feel when people sing His praises yet live a different way.

Although those ladies my sister overheard ALMOST got away with their insincerity, we can't pull a fast one over on God.  He knows what is in our hearts better than we do.  That's why the Psalmist David OFTEN prayed for God to show Him what's in the depths of his heart.

David constantly wanted God to work in his life.   We find a heavy truth in Matthew 7:21, "Not everyone who calls out to me, 'Lord! Lord!' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter."

I challenge you today to DAILY strive to know Him more through prayer and His Word.  None of us are perfect.  However, as we pursue Him, our lives AND actions should begin to line up with His Word and Will.

Dear Lord, Please show me what's in my heart.  I desire for my life to bring You honor and glory.  I love You with everything in me.

I thank You Jesus for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life. In the Name of Jesus I pray, Amen.