Have you ever felt like you're doing all the "right" spiritual things but still missing something? This profound question opens our exploration of how we can unintentionally trade relationship with God for routines centered around God.

The Pharisees were devoted, serious about Scripture, and committed to living how they thought God wanted. Yet when confronted with God in the flesh, they completely missed him. This series holds up a mirror asking not "What's wrong with them?" but "Where is the Pharisee in me?"

In Mark 7, Jesus confronts religious leaders who were upset that his disciples weren't following traditional hand-washing rituals. What began as good intentions had evolved into burdensome systems where human traditions carried nearly the same weight as Scripture itself. Rather than defending his disciples, Jesus addresses the heart issue: "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me."

While we might not hide behind the same religious traditions today, we create our own barriers through personal preferences and emotions. We develop spiritual checklists that make us feel righteous without necessarily transforming our hearts. We go through motions – reading scripture, praying before meals, attending services – while avoiding true surrender.

God isn't impressed by religious performance. He's looking for integrity, a surrendered heart, and a life that reflects his character. The invitation is clear: trade performance for presence. Let God have your heart, not just your habits. Read the Bible to listen, not check boxes. Examine whether your spiritual practices are drawing you closer to Jesus or helping you avoid surrender.

If you've felt burned by religion, this is good news: Jesus doesn't want your perfection – he wants your heart. You don't need to clean yourself up or learn all the rules; you simply come as you are. The question remains: Are you honoring God with your lips while keeping your heart distant?

Join us next week as we continue examining where the Pharisee lives in each of us, exploring how we judge others while failing to show mercy ourselves.

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