Religious activity can hide a heart that is avoiding God. Jesus confronted this in Mark 7:6-8, where outward honor had become detached from inward surrender. The problem was not serious devotion. The problem was tradition replacing obedience to the living God. That warning still matters. A person can attend church, read books, listen to sermons, serve faithfully, and still resist the nearness of Jesus. The goal of Christian formation is not to become impressive at religious life. The goal is to know Christ, abide in Him, and obey Him from the heart. The best Christian spiritual growth books do not compete with…
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