How is your spiritual life? Routine or real? Mark 7:5-7

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!
   I trust your 4th of July was good.  A 4 day weekend is nice, but then, it is always nice to return to our routine.  How we become creatures of nature, enjoying and liking our own little ways we do things and manage our life.
   Some things do need to be routine, however, some things do not.  For example, when you are studying your Bible - it should not be something you "just do" without thinking.  Maybe you decided to read the Bible in 1 year - you have your schedule, pull it out each day, and do your reading.  Sooo, while you are reading you are thinking about work, the grocery list, chores to be done at home, and on and on.  So, are you in tune and communing with God.  I THINK NOT!  You are simply doing something out of a routine you set up for your self with no thought.
   But what about the guy or gal who gets up, only reads a verse or two, then goes on about his daily business?  Well, were those verses he/she meditated on, thought about, and talked to God about?  If so, well done!  If not, regroup and try again.
  Take a look at Mark 7: 5-7 this speaks of age old tradition, or routine, and the Pharisee and scribes confronted Jesus.  Please click on the verse to see context so you will understand.
   First, Jesus called them "hypocrites."  A hypocrite is pretending to be something your are not and have no intention of being.  Jesus called the Pharisees hypocrites because they worshiped God for the wrong reasons.
   Next, Jesus says they honor God with their lips, but their hearts are far from God.  Their worship was not motivated by love; but, by a desire to attain profit, to appear holy, and to increase their status. This is what happens when we care more about our reputation than our character.
   And, Jesus goes on to tell them their teachings are phony, they have polluted God's teaching to man made ideas and then pass them off as teachings from God.  These men could point out others sins, and emphasize their virtues.  Their hearts were far from God.
     So, my friend, I ask you-- are you going through the routine so others will see you as the Pharisee - a godly person; yet, you heart is far from God?  OR, are you in tune, in step, in place with where God wants you and who you are to be in Christ?  Love you, may your walk be true and for God!
  In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny