"This saith the LORD of hosts,the God of Israel,Amend your ways and your doings,and I will cause you to dwell in this place" (Jer 7:3)
This message came to Judah through Jeremiah about 612 BC. There was a show of public worship without a corresponding transformation in the lives of the so called worshippers. At that time, the people trusted in the Temple and It's services as a means of protection against any invasion and the judgement of God.
But sacred places including Temples are nothing in the sight of God, when the people heart are not with Him. Furthermore, semblances of holiness cannot deceive God. He will not accept outward reformations; there must be a thorough purging from our evil ways in all ramifications. To do otherwise will amount to a mere religious exercise without righteousness. As we know, righteousness is the hallmarks of Christian living.
In our Christian world today, the above scenario is still very much with us which ascertain the fact that human nature is the same whether in the old times or in this present dispensation. We see people undertaking long journey in search of sacred religious places with the mindset that such sacred places will provide immediate solution to their problem. It is hard time they realized that "God is a Spirit and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24)
Mere participations in these religious activities do not cleanse us from sin; we have to amend our ways and doings
That we are officiating ministers in Church services do not automatically make us acceptable before God; we have to amend our ways and doings
That we give tithes and fat offerings will not substitute for our genuine salvation;we have to amend our ways and doings
That we donate buildings for the service of the Lord will not appease for our evil doings:we have to amend our ways and doings.
What does it mean to amend our ways and doings?
First, examine your ways and doings if they in conformity to the Word of God. Be true to yourself and acknowledge all wrong doings. Psalms 51:7 points to fact that we came into this world as sinners. And this was affirmed by Romans 3:23 when it says"for all have sinned ..."
Second,is to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ that He died to redeem you and set you free.
Third, confess your sins to the Lord and forsake them. The Scriptures assure us that if we confess our our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1John1:9)
Henceforth submit yourself to the Lordship of the Lord Jesus Christ and be obedient to His Word.
