Read 1 John 1:8–9
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 1 John 1:8

Dishonest believers lose fellowship with God and with God’s people. As a result, prayer becomes an empty form to them. Worship is a dull routine. They become critical of other Christians and start staying away from church. A group of church members was discussing the new pastor. “For some reason,” said one man, “I really don’t feel at ease with him. I believe he’s a good man, all right—but something seems to stand between us.” Another member replied, “Yes, I think I know what you mean. I used to have that same problem with him, but now I don’t have it anymore. The pastor and I have great fellowship.”

“What did he do to make things better?” “He didn’t do anything,” said the friend. “I did the changing.” “You did the changing?” “Yes, I decided to be open and honest about things, the way our pastor is. You see, there isn’t one stain of hypocrisy in his life, and there was so much pretending in my life that we just didn’t make it together. He and I both knew I was a phony. Since I’ve started to live an honest Christian life, everything is better.”

Something to Ponder
When your own praying becomes empty and worship becomes dull, what do you do to get back “on track”?