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Psalm 40:6-10  

Sacrifice and offering you did not desire—but my ears you have opened—burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require. Then I said, “Here I am, I have come—it is written about me in the scroll. I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.” I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, LORD, as you know. I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help. I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness from the great assembly.

God is not impressed with religious stuff. He sees past the marks of Ash Wednesday to the other 364 days of my year.

God is not impressed with religious stuff. Baptism only makes me wet if my heart is not surrendering to the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord.

God is not impressed with religious stuff. Communion has no significance if my heart is not prepared for thanksgiving and re-commitment. 

God is not impressed with religious stuff. Teaching others is futile if I am not teaching myself.

God is not impressed with religious stuff. Confirmation is a box checked on my ceremonial list if it is only a class to be completed.

God is not impressed with religious stuff. The writer to the Hebrews used this passage to contrast Jesus’ perfect obedience with the insufficiency of the Old Testament sacrifices (Heb. 10:5-7).

God is not at all impressed with my religious ceremony or tradition. He sees, with laser focus, the desires, longings, and intentions of my heart.

Father, don’t let religious stuff be my religion. Allow my relationship with You to overwhelm my heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.