We offer words from our lips, but our hearts are far from the matter.
Paying lip service to something is one of the saddest activities that plagues the human condition. What it highlights is the clash of claims.
Our lips give the impression of serving one master. Our actions informs that a different master is served. There is a clash, there is a confusion.
The call then is for a resolution. One King has declared that you will serve one and despise the other. That is what happens.
Lip service proves to be insufficient. The intents of the heart and the one who rules is revealed in the actions we commit. Those actions are governed by the thoughts that determine. Those thoughts are founded on the understanding of who really rules.
The claim that King Jesus rules is always challenged by the claim that the self rules. Pious references to prevailing issues, really prove to be covers for the overruling sense of the self that wants to reign supreme.
Committing to the rule of King Jesus takes the eye away from self to an example of one who lived for peace, mercy, grace and righteousness. This rule is not about arrogance, pride and boasting in accomplishments. This rule is about serving the needs of others and being able to express love even for the enemy. That kind of rule is not possible without reference the King.
That claim conflicts significantly with the way of the world. Whatever system, in whatever area of the world instinctively rejects such a basis of rule, however much they refer to ‘principles’ from that rule. The claim of King Jesus stands in contrast and to the offence of the status quo.
That clash, then, does require people to choose. Choose which side they will serve – and serve in action and deed. Not paying lip service and lofty sentiment.
(Photo by Frida Bredesen on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 