I think so often we think that we have to “do” something to really please God. We spin our wheels with all manner of Christian service. And while these things are good and have their place, this verse really spoke to me recently and I thought I’d share it with you too.
Proverbs 21:3, “To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.” (ESV)
Righteousness is being right with God.
I heard a sermon by Charles Stanley on the radio the other night. It was simply on the Ten Commandments. I think it was a timely reminder. The next day, the kids and I were watching Netflix and observed how much we often hear God’s name used in vain on popular kids’ television shows. You know, that’s a basic commandments, we mused. My son added, “There are only ten!” Have we gotten so far away from righteous living that it’s simply acceptable that we treat the commandments so flippantly? Can we not even use God’s name properly?
I’ve just finished the Bible Study for Preteens on Jonah (offered free here) and one of the things that struck me as I was studying the book of Jonah was that once the Ninevites understood their sin, they fasted and wore sackcloth. When I say “they” I mean ALL of them – the grownups, the children, and even the animals! They were truly repentant.
2 Chronicles 7:14, is etched into our brains, but let’s reread it in again in the context of what we’ve been thinking on today…
“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (ESV)
We must turn from our wicked ways and “hunger and thirst for righteousness” (Matthew 5:6).
So, I guess the point of my writing this post today is to remind us that spinning our wheels in service isn’t what God’s looking for. He’s after our hearts. Hearts that hunger and thirst to be right with Him.
(Believe it or not, when I sat down to write today, I was really just going to post the picture w/ verse at the top! Sorry you had to be privy to my early morning ramblings!)
For Him,
Kathy:)
If you’re interested, here’s a FREE Family Devotional on righteousness I created for our church some time back.
Family Devotion – righteousness
