Mixed Messages

MIXED MESSAGES

"Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: ’These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me, and in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men."

Matthew 15:7-9

We often hear the term "mixed messages" used in everyday life referring to seeming contradictions between what is being said and what is being expressed by "body language" or other overt actions. In our spiritual lives, "mixed messages" are particularly offensive to God.

I. The reality of "mixed messages" in our spiritual life.

Isaiah 29:15, to which Jesus referred, was written to God’s people.

"These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me…" (verse 8)

Jesus expressed the folly of saying one thing but acting differently. "And why do you call me ’Lord, Lord’ and do not the things which I say." Luke 6:46

II. Why do people give "mixed messages" in their spiritual lives? It is a spiritual "heart problem".…" but their heart is far from Me…"

The Bible teaches that what is in the heart determines what a man is. "Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issue of life." Proverbs 4:23

"And you shalt love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength." Deuteronomy 6:5

"For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Romans 10:10

III. God’s judgment upon our "mixed messages".

"…in vain they worship Me." Our worship is a terrible thing to waste!

IV The consequence of our "mixed messages".

"For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle?" I Corinthians 14:8.

If our actions do not support our words then we might as well not speak. For what we do does speak so loud that the world cannot hear what we say.