But the one who offers a bull with no humility is like one who kills a man. The one who offers a lamb without contrition is like one who breaks a dog’s neck. The one who brings grain offerings with no heart-purity is like one who offers pig’s blood! The one who offers incense with no sincerity is like one who kisses an idol! They have all chosen their own way, not mine, and they take delight in these disgusting things! 4 So I chose to punish them and to bring on them what they fear the most because I called out to them and they ignored me. I spoke and they did not listen but did what is evil in my sight and chose what I despise.” Isaiah 66:3-4

God does not play games and will not be deceived. What we may take lightly God takes very sincerely. He knows how we can be manipulated and how it is in our humanity to think we are more holy than we are.

Thankfully, today as believers we live under a New Covenant in which the once and for all sacrifice was made by Jesus. I believe God still cares about our motivation and heart posture when we come to Him.

If worship becomes more entertainment, and if Bible study becomes a token act rather than seeking transformation, we are no different than the people who approached with their sacrifices out of duty rather than devotion.

We live humbly in God’s presence. We are grateful for His grace. We seek revelation and life changing truth. Our desire is to be shaped into His image and live to honor the God who saved us. This is the way to live free and fearless as followers of Jesus.