“The Word became flesh,” is a truth with profound meaning to me. God became real. And the implications of that for life, worship, mission, and discipleship are far reaching.
Real workers pour real concrete to make plans on paper become real.
Matthew 15:1-9
Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, 2 “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat.” 3He answered them, “And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? 4For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ 5But you say, ‘If anyone tells his father or his mother, “What you would have gained from me is given to God,” 6he need not honor his father.’ So for the sake of your tradition you have made void the word of God. 7 You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said:
8 “‘This people honors me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me;
9in vain do they worship me,
teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”
I am averse to churchiness – that outward manifestation of spirituality that is more concerned with appearances than substance. I make the sign of the cross, but not every time it might be called for. I believe propriety and dignity are becoming in the chancel and in the sanctuary. But I don’t hold my hands just so, nor take on a pulpit tone (at least I hope not!). I really want to be real.
Sometimes that comes off poorly. I can recall times upon reviewing a video that I have looked nonchalant rather than real. Sometimes my demeanor may not best reflect the profound truths of God’s word and grace. Frankly, I suppose that my commitment to being real could also be played from a wrong motive – a new outward spirituality I suppose.
But Jesus never condemns people who are trying to be real. His words of reproach are for Pharisees who make long prayers on the street corners to be seen by men. He confronts those who make their tassels long and their phylacteries large – again to be seen by men.
Jesus is more concerned about the heart than mere outward appearances. This is never meant to excuse irreverence or inaction. It is a call simply to be real with him. For when we are real with God we are best able to realize the real extent of his love. That love flows from the core of his being and was manifest in the Word who became flesh. He really loves us!
It’s time to get real with him in every way. You can start this morning as you gather with other Christians for worship and enjoy his real love and honor him from your heart.
David Bahn - Reflections 
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