The elderly man's response was NOT what the minister expected. In fact, it was life-changing for the minister. The man explained that although he really didn't know how to pray, he had decided to use the few moments of his factory lunch break to come into the church each day to JUST CHECK IN with Jesus....to tell Him how happy he was to have Him in his life.
The minister was so moved by the simplicity of the man's prayer and the pureness of his heart that the minister then changed how he himself approached God through prayer.
Today's scripture refers to one of Jesus' warnings to the Pharisees who were more concerned about their outward appearance than their true relationship with God. Matthew 6:5 paints a picture of the Pharisees' purpose in prayer: "And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others...."
The Pharisees knew the God's Word but were very hypocritical in their approach. Hypocrisy is a sure villain of our faith and can lead others astray.
My challenge to you today is to always be more concerned about the condition of YOUR heart rather than the OUTWARD appearance of others. You don't need to address God with big, flowery words. Just go to Him with your sincere love for Him.
Dear Lord, I pray that the time that I spend with You will always be pleasing to You...just as the shabbily- dressed elderly man who was JUST CHECKING IN with His loving Savior rather than the self-seeking hypocritical behavior of the Pharisees. My desire is for You to be pleased with me when You see my heart.
I thank You, my 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.
Villain Series
Day 3: The Pharisees
