For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, don't eat unless they wash their hands and forearms, holding to the tradition of the elders. - Mark 7:3
The religion of the Pharisees was not about love towards God, or about their attitude, character, and conduct, but it was all about certain ceremonial traditions which they upheld with great zeal. They washed their hands before meals because ceremonial uncleanness in the hands communicated itself to the food. However, they took no effort to wash their hearts of evil or unkind thoughts and feelings toward others. They washed when they came in from their shops because worldly business defiled them; but they were not careful in their dealings with others to be just, honest, and true. They saw that every pot and dish, and all household arrangements were ceremonially cleansed; but they did not stop to look within their own hearts to see if all was clean there for the God's Spirit.
We all need to watch against making our religion consist in forms of worship. We may pray many times a day, and read a regular number of chapters, and go through many and devotions (including this one!), and yet not have a single scrap of true religion. We are truly religious just in the measure in which we have the spirit of Christ in our attitude, heart, and character. “The Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17).
Loving God and our fellow-men is the sum of all we are required to do. Unless we have this twofold love in our hearts, manifested in life and character, our profession of religion is in vain. Not a word should be said against external cleanliness; a clean heart should make the life clean from our head to our toes, and in all opinions, feelings, habits, words, and actions. But clean hands and well-maintained appearances will never please God if there is no love in our hearts for Him and no love for men. “Blessed are the pure in heart: for the shall see God” (Matthew 5:8).
Apply This To Your Life Today... Are you practicing a cold religion or love towards God and others?
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