Truly Honor... Who?

For my people are determined to desert me. They call me the Most High, but they don’t truly honor me. [Hosea 11.7]

Here again we see the difference between religion and relationship. Religion is willing to talk about God all day long - even call Him the Most High. Relationship, on the other hand, is focused not on just talking about God, but truly honoring Him. The difference between the two is eternal.

So, the question really is, "What is truly honoring to the LORD?"

Although we could pacify ourselves to say each of us knows in our heart what pleases God and what does not please God, this notion simply is not true. There are many today who think that because "their hearts" are okay with something that it is okay. The problem with this is that people, in their hearts, believe things are okay that the Bible specifically teaches are not okay. So, if the standard for right or wrong is found in the individual human heart, then that pretty much makes each individual a god unto himself and in no way "truly honors" God.

Father, it is obvious that there is more to a relationship with You than simply calling You the Most High. Help me to learn more about truly honoring You with every part of my life. It seems to me that obedience plays a great role here!