To go through the motions is to do something simply because it is expected of you and not because you really want to. It's like playing the part because you don't really have an option; because you have to. It is considered fake and insincere; actions are seen but there is no heart in it.
This reminds me of one Chemu Caroline Saina, who once shared on the topic with so much passion and with tears in her eyes, urged us that rather than go through the motions of being a Christian, we should have a relationship with God. I really do miss this lady, a life well lived and her legend lives on :)
What does it mean to be a believer? What is expected of one and what things or evidence makes one a believer? As Christians we have the Bible to guide us on how we should live and carry ourselves; all life's answers are in the Word of God. For most people, when we received salvation, we were taken through the basics of what we would need to do now that we were saved. We were told the importance of growth and that a stagnant Christian is a dying Christian. For growth to take place, we had to instill spiritual disciplines that included studying the Bible, prayer, fasting and fellowship among others. Question is, do we know why we do what we do? Is there change and impact? Or are we simply going through the motions?
Having been a believer for a while now, there are seasons whereby I have done these disciplines simply because it was expected of me. After all, that is what Christians do, right? They go to church, read the bible, pray and fast among other things. However, it is senseless to do something without understanding, and if it has no impact, then what's the need?
Having a relationship with God is what is key whereby you do all these things for growth and to get to a deeper level with God. He desires that we would seek Him with our all and He be the center of our lives. It doesn't count to do all these things just for the sake. There is more to it than the actions, our desire should be to grow and get deeper in the things of God. Understand why you need to pray, fast, study the Word, serve, evangelize among other things.
So, have you been going through the motions? Do not waste time doing things just for the sake of it.....it is not worth it and doesn't count. Take a pause, think it through and do things from a point of understanding. God desires that we seek Him with our all. Jeremiah 29:13, 'And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.'' Enjoy the adventure of getting to know God more, taking time to listen to what He has to say as He reveals His Will for your life.
