Thoughts Toward the Cross... People aren't always going to receive the exact message conveyed. Everyone has their own communication style, and misinterpretation happens when people send or receive messages differently. The easiest way to control what and how something is said or perceived would be to write nothing. Recognizing there may be differences in priorities and understanding, Brenda Miller shares her inspiration for the first chapter of this book. Does someone in the church you attend give an appearance of a "spiritual" person? Does the "spiritual" person who comes to mind act or dress as someone honorable, dignified and seem acceptable to others and to God? Perhaps that someone is you. So, the question is: Do I want to be perceived as religious or holy? The larger part of appearance is not so much what a person puts on but what a person puts out. The mouth that is turned loose and undisciplined is not submitted to authority but demonstrates a mental attitude of disrespect. This person wants to believe that the intent of their heart, or the motive that drives them, is godly. However, if they can't keep their mouth under control, but spread words that don't edify the church or submit to the authority of God, that person's religion is vain (James 1:26-27 KJV). If I deceive myself into believing that my attitude is righteous when my behaviour is in opposition to the authority of God, my religion is empty and without value. I am conceited to think I am something when my actions and speech confess that I am empty and stand for nothing. My first step is to check my mouth, and see how hard a task it is to keep it shut. Pure religion, unquestionable worship and reverence to God, is to be above reproach: no stain, nothing debased, no blemishes. Any other religious practice is vain. Church members who obsess with self-interest and are self-absorbed in admiration of their own work or talents are egotistic, or more plainly spoken: have a swelled head. One who loves as Christ loved is more likely to love people who are esteemed least. It is not easy to go to a person who doesn't submit to the authority of God and be social with them. It can be tough to chat with someone who does not accept God as Creator and disregards Jesus Christ as Saviour. Someone who feels abandoned or never experienced a relationship with God may defend whatever ego has allowed them to tolerate an identity apart from God. A Christian loves other people regardless of how they esteem themselves. This world prefers tolerance. The temptation is to laugh, brush off differences and blend in with others who have rejected the Lord. Don't be deceived. Pure religion gives Jesus Christ control of how we respond to the people in this world and is the restraining power against self-will. Personal independence without control is contrary to Scripture and opposes the authority of God. Pure religion will not fear human beings or those things that the world lusts after. Keep your mind focused on the things of God. In answer to the question, I want to give a true impression of holiness. It will take much discipline, but I am going to engage the bridle. I want to shut my mouth to the things I would speak, and let the Lord have control. After all, this world is not my home, I'm just passing through.