Why is it that the desserts at most cafeterias look fantastic but usually taste like a paper towel? You go through the line and see a pie that you are compelled to get-- a vision of culinary loveliness with a towering meringue that would rival the Eiger. But, oh horror: When you finally get to eat it, you quickly decide that it only tastes like the Eiger.

Or take the dessert tray at most restaurants: Your server, "Edward," brings around the most fantastic-looking ensemble of fudgey, gooey, creamy things that somehow never look the same when they get delivered to your table. Why? The dessert tray samples are made out of scoops of shortening and hardened dough and the like: They're fakes! They look terrific, but goodness gracious, if you actually ate one of those things....

The prophet Amos told the people of Israel that God was not pleased with their worship-- that He was not impressed with their beautiful ceremonies and customary sacrifices. God knew that there was no goodness, no sincerity, in their hearts. Their worship was hollow. It might have "looked" great, but it "tasted" awful.

Christian friends, let's be extra careful about what we bring to God, whether in worship, or in the privacy of our hearts: God knows what's inside. We may be able to fool our fellow Christians. We may have a spiritual meringue that towers above everyone else's, but God knows the ingredients of our hearts. The Lord wants no fake worship. Let's keep up our beautiful songs and prayers and teaching, but let's also be full of unselfish goodness and truth on the inside!