2 Kings 17:32-33, New International Version

“They worshiped the Lord, but they also appointed all sorts of their own people to officiate for them as priests in the shrines at the high places. They worshiped the Lord, but they also served their own gods in accordance with the customs of the nations from which they had been brought.”

Over the decades, a term that has been used as a talking point is this: A "box-checking” Christian. Some may also refer to this as a “performance type Christian” through their outward activities – attending church on Sunday morning, joining a Bible study once a week, praying before each meal, posting scripture to social media. There is another category that some refer to as a “going through motion Christian” – This would be those who run to every Christian concert, follow and share celebrity Christian post, and who are spiritual hyper at all times.

Religious, old wine skin, lukewarm, or fake Christians… regardless of what terms or labels we may apply to someone, hear what the Lord has said, “…Humans do not see what the LORD sees, for humans see what is visible, but the LORD sees the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7, CSB)

Let’s take a look at how Israel was taken captive by Assyria in Kings 17:33, “They worshiped the Lord, but they also served their own gods in accordance with the customs of the nations from which they had been brought.” They, God’s chosen people – Israel, are those who were captured by the Assyrians because of their consistent sin against God. In those days, they were taught who their God was, yet they also followed the culture of the land and participated in the rituals of those who did not know God.

In manner of their lifestyle, what would you say about them? A "box-checking" Christian because they could be seen worshipping the Lord? Or were they false believers or religious folks such as Jesus talked about (Isaiah 29:13), “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain…” (Matthew 15:8-9, NIV)

You know what? As a Christ follower, it doesn’t matter how others define you. It is all about your own heart. A heart the Lord searches and He knows. A heart after Him or a heart that is far from Him. A heart that is in love with truth or a heart that is deceived. A question we all should ask ourselves, “Am I worshipping the Lord, but also serving my own gods (idols) in accordance with the customs of the nations, the culture of the land, or the desires of my heart?”

“No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve God and mammon [money, possessions, fame, status, or whatever is valued more than the Lord].” (Matthew 6:24, Amplified Bible)

No matter how many boxes we check, check your heart!