Heart Over Ritual

Just because you know doesn't make you an expert. The Jews in Romans 2 had the Law, they knew God's will, they saw themselves as guides to the blind and lights in the darkness. But they were missing something crucial: their hearts weren't right.

We do the same thing today. We read Scripture, we attend church, we gain knowledge, but then we start inserting ourselves into God's work. We try to convict people instead of letting the Holy Spirit do it. We try to change people instead of getting out of God's way. We teach others not to sin while we're living in our own hidden sins.

Here's the hard truth: You can't do it for people. You can't convict them, heal them, or save them. That belongs to God alone.

The Jews depended on circumcision, an outward sign, while their hearts remained unchanged. What outward things are you depending on? Church attendance? Bible knowledge? Your salvation experience from years ago?

God doesn't care about the outside appearance. He wants circumcision of the heart. He wants to remove your hard heart, your rebellion, your flesh, so you can love Him with everything you have and everything you are.

When God circumcises your heart, three things happen: You experience FREEDOM from the power of sin. You learn SURRENDER, no longer being stiff-necked and rebellious. You become alive in the SPIRIT, not just bound by the letter of the law.

Stop justifying your sin. Stop condemning others while living in your own. Check your heart. Are you working out your salvation through obedience, not to be saved, but because you are saved?

The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. When you love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and body, and love and serve others the same way, the Spirit takes care of everything else.