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Okay—real talk. Do you ever find yourself simply going through the spiritual motions? Devotions—check. Prayer—check. Going to church—check. All the spiritual boxes checked but not a lot of spiritual output in your life? Read today’s passage.

Zechariah 7:8-10

And the word of the Lord came to Zechariah, saying, “Thus says the Lord of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another, do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart.”

God told Zechariah to demonstrate true worship. Instead of going through the motions, God said, show true justice to others. Demonstrate mercy and love to one another. Take care of the needy widow. Take in the orphan. Accept the foreigner. Provide for the poor. Stop premeditated, hurtful action against each other.

Without meaningful actions, worship can quickly become a meaningless act. A powerful prayer becomes pointless by mindless repetition. A solid Christian creed can lose its impact with numbing recitation. A song, that moved us to tears when we first heard it, can wear a rut through our hearts so that we are bored of the words. We can’t just go through the motions. True worship is proven by actions.

Talking Points

• Talk to God about the danger of falling into the trap of just going through the motions. Ask him to help you have a fresh relationship with him.
• Make sure your children have opportunities to express and experience their faith in real life. Celebrate worship that is proven by actions.

Father, point out to me any area of my worship and service to you where I am simply going through the motions. Show me any area that I am doing for myself and not for you. When you show me where I need to change, help me to respond. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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