Are You Just Trying to Look Godly?

Praise the Lord, my friend,

There’s a silent shift that often happens in our faith journey.

We begin with sincere devotion, eager to follow God, but somewhere along the way, the focus moves from truly pleasing Him to just looking the part.

And that happens subtly.

We still read our Bibles, serve in church, and speak the right words.

But instead of growing deeper in intimacy with the Lord, we start aiming to maintain a spiritual image that others will applaud.

Sometimes, we don’t even realize it until we feel the emptiness that comes from pretending.

Outwardly, everything appears fine, but deep inside, we know something is off.

Matthew 6:1

"Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven."

This warning from Jesus reminds us that it’s easy to slip into performative faith.

Many believers, especially those serving in visible roles, find themselves working hard to look spiritually strong, while quietly battling things they never bring before God.

For instance, someone might be leading worship every Sunday, showing up early, and even helping others in prayer.

But at home, they may feel far from God, often skipping prayer in their personal life and feeling too tired to read the Word.

Instead of being honest with God about their weariness or doubt, they keep performing.

Over time, this habit becomes a spiritual trap.

Isaiah 29:13

"These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me."

This verse strikes a chord because many of us have experienced this distance.

We speak the right words, sing the right songs, and even share devotionals with others.

But deep down, we’re distracted, anxious, or bitter.

Imagine someone who regularly posts about grace and forgiveness, yet holds deep resentment toward a friend who betrayed them.

Every time they talk about God's mercy, it stings, because they haven’t extended that same mercy in their own life.

It’s not that they don’t want to forgive, but just that their hurt has taken root.

They’ve gotten used to sounding like a believer without truly surrendering that pain to the Lord.

And over time, the distance between their lips and their heart widens.

Luke 18:10–14

10. “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
11. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.
12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’
13. But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’
14. I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

You see, Jesus told this story for a reason. The Pharisee was convinced of his righteousness.

He had the right behavior, the right knowledge, and probably the right reputation, too, but he didn’t have the right heart.

In contrast, the tax collector had nothing to boast about. He came with a simple, honest cry for mercy, and that was the man God accepted.

Just like the Pharisee, some believers become so focused on doing everything right that they forget why they started.

They avoid certain people, speak harshly about others who don’t measure up, and quietly take pride in their own discipline.

On the other hand, there are those who stumble often, but keep returning to God with humility.

Their lives may be messy, but their hearts are open.

So the question for us is simple: Are we seeking to appear right or to be right with God?

Let us examine our hearts, and if we are just appearing to be right, let’s turn to God because it is never too late, my friend.

God isn’t looking for polished performances or achievements.

He desires honesty; he already knows our struggles, our fears, and even the parts we’re ashamed of.

What He wants is our willingness to come before Him without pretending.

So today, instead of trying to impress others or meet expectations that don’t come from God, let’s turn back to the heart of worship.

Let’s ask Him to realign our motives and renew our hearts.

Because when we stop striving to look right and start seeking to be right with Him, that's when true freedom and peace return.

If there’s something weighing on you today, bring it to Him in prayer; you don’t have carry it alone, my friend.

As always, if you have any prayer requests, just reply to this email. I’d be honored to pray with you and for you.