How can we ensure our religious practices align with God's will today? The Setting and the Question “...asking the priests who were at the house of the LORD of Hosts, as well as the prophets, ‘Should I mourn and fast in the fifth month as I have done for so many years?’” (Zechariah 7:3) The returning exiles wondered whether their long-standing fasts still pleased God now that the temple was being rebuilt. Their question gives us a lens for examining our own practices. God’s Immediate Answer: More Than a Ritual Before addressing the calendar, the LORD asked, “When you fasted… was it really for Me that you fasted?” (Zechariah 7:5-6). He then reminded them of justice, mercy, and compassion (7:9-10). Right practice must flow from a right heart. Principle 1 – Anchor Every Practice in Clear Scripture • Traditions can help, but only God’s word is authoritative. • 1 Samuel 15:22: “Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice…”. • If a practice is not commanded, affirmed, or consistent with Scripture, hold it loosely. If Scripture speaks plainly, submit gladly. Principle 2 – Give God Your Heart, Not Just Your Calendar • The fast in Zechariah 7 had become a habit without humility. • Matthew 15:8-9: “These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me.” • God wants sincerity that shapes everyday life, not mere dates on a planner. Principle 3 – Live the Weightier Matters: Justice, Mercy, Humility • Zechariah 7:9-10 and Micah 6:8 echo each other. • True worship shows up in fair dealings, generous compassion, and humble walk. • James 1:27: “Pure and undefiled religion… to care for orphans and widows… and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” Principle 4 – Evaluate Motives Continually • Practices can start well but drift into self-promotion or empty routine. • 1 Corinthians 11:28: “Each one must examine himself…”. • Ask: Am I seeking God’s glory or personal comfort, reputation, nostalgia? Principle 5 – Worship in Spirit and Truth through Christ • John 4:23-24: the Father seeks worshipers “in spirit and in truth.” • Christ fulfills every shadow of the law; our rituals point to Him (Colossians 2:16-17). • Romans 12:1-2 calls us to present our bodies as living sacrifices—worship that touches all of life. Practical Steps for Today • Read and obey the Bible daily; let it correct cherished traditions. • Pair every outward act (service, giving, fasting, singing) with inward surrender. • Prioritize relationships: forgive, serve, pursue justice. • Guard against legalism by remembering grace; guard against complacency by remembering holiness. • Align church programs with clear biblical mandates—evangelism, discipleship, prayer, fellowship, care for the needy. • Regularly invite trusted believers to speak into your life; accountability protects sincerity. • Keep Christ central: if a practice no longer directs hearts to Him, revise or release it. The Takeaway When Scripture guides, motives are pure, and love for God and neighbor drives every action, our religious practices will resonate with His will—just as He desired for Judah then and for His people now. |
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