There’s a website for everything so it’s no surprise that there are some dedicated to providing tips on how to appear busy at work. Suggestions include spreading documents across your desk, conspicuously posting a few sticky notes and setting out an open binder. Other recommendations involve manufacturing movement, like writing (just for the sake of writing) or rapping noisily on a keyboard.
You might scoff at the amount of effort some people expend to avoid real work, but how much worse is it when it is religiously institutionalized? False religions create routines that give the appearance of spirituality. Chanting, waving smoke, repeating phrases (perhaps in a foreign language and led by people in elaborately decorated clothing) are all ways that communicate a form of “spirituality” without contributing a hint of true holiness. How many people do you know that live biblically rebellious lives but take comfort in their association to religious routines?
This is a struggle that dates back to the beginning. Cain went through the religious exercise of bringing an offering to the Lord, yet he was condemned, not commended. God “had no regard” for Cain’s artificial holiness (Gen. 4:5). Saul also offered a sacrifice that sparked disapproval because it was done out of selfishness. He was told, “You have not kept the command of the Lord your God, with which he commanded you” (1 Sam. 13:13).
In the New Testament the most rigorously “spiritual” men were denounced by Jesus. “Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness” (Mt. 23:23). Jesus commented on prayer as well. “Do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words” (Mt. 6:7).
In every one of these examples the error is the same. Humility was supplanted by pride. The purpose of bringing an offering to God is for the sinner to communicate he needs forgiveness. It acknowledges that blood must be shed on behalf of the sinner. Abel recognized this and gave of the best of what he had. Cain selfishly withheld the best while still participating in the practice. In other words, he wanted the benefits that the offering brought without legitimate humility. In Saul’s case he heard the people complaining and, out of fear of man, offered a sacrifice without waiting for the Lord’s prophet. He wanted the earthly benefit of the religious practice without exercising the discipline of waiting on the Lord.
Jesus publicly snubbed the religious leaders because they took pains to tithe down to a microscopic scale yet did not show love toward others. Their focus was on the religious routine that benefitted them and not the holy heart that benefitted others. Likewise, Jesus exposed the selfish motivation of some that pray lengthy prayers—that they would get what they want.
It’s easy to cast stones at Cain, Saul and the religious leaders, but what about you? Are there things that you do that are driven by pride? Do you do them out of a heart of humble worship or a hope to get something from God? Do you attend church to worship and serve or to get religious credit and feel better about yourself? When you sing in church are you is your praise directed wholeheartedly to God or you trying to manifest positive emotions that benefit you?
Spiritual routines are important, but only if they are exercised in humility. In your church attendance, your Bible reading, your prayers and even in fasting, examine your attitude. Ask God to help you to be submissive to His will and to purify your worship. Avoid conspicuous “religious sticky notes” when you engage in spiritual exercises by starting them with a prayer that through them, He would increase and you would decrease. In this way you will consciously avoid working to avoid work.
If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations—“Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh. (Col. 2:20-23)