The Greatest Distance

this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me.

The greatest distance in the world is not between countries. It is the few inches between a mouth that honours God and a heart that has quietly moved away.

Notice these people were near. They were drawing close, saying right things, keeping the practice. Nothing looked wrong from outside. The distance was invisible and enormous.

This is the particular danger for the committed believer — the one who serves, gives, leads and shows up. Activity is the easiest place in the world to hide a cold heart, because everyone applauds it, including you.

So ask the uncomfortable question. Not am I doing enough for God? but am I close to God? Only one of those can be answered by working harder.