Matthew 15:8 This people draw nigh unto me with their mouth, and honors me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
God is not merely looking for persons who do right things. He is looking for a heart that is submissive to His word, and His revealed will. He is looking for the heart that is truly grateful for what He has done for us on Calvary, and would render willing, and loving service, and obedience in response to His gracious overtures. God is also looking for the sincere-hearted person, with faults, who would accept His assessment of our vital need of His grace, in order to obey.
And God is looking for the heart of faith, which will take Him at His word, and believe that He will fulfill his promises according to His good purposes, and in His own time and way. All of these essentials could be lacking, even as folks do the right things, for there is a sort of religion that does not come from the heart, but focuses squarely on ceremony, external manifestations, and the letter of the law with its particulars.
All this, while the principles of His kingdom aren’t permitted to be intertwined and interwoven into one’s everyday experiences. A religion that does not come from the heart, and obedience that is primarily ritual in nature, could never satisfy the soul’s longing, for it is described as taking the husk without the kernel, and as a result, it could actually be a sin, because, according to the Bible, whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
Matthew 23: 2 The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. 3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not after their works: for they say, and do not.
May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!