Sometimes we can get caught up in what we do for God. The sacrifices we make. Maybe we teach Sunday School, lead a ministry or we find ourselves listed as an usher or a volunteer in the nursery. I’ve caught myself thinking how important I am and how much God needs me to perform some task for Him. When we love we serve but…I don’t believe service is the best thing.
We are reminded through the prophet Hosea that God wants more than our service and sacrifices. More than our outward show of righteousness. He wants our love. I could list the offices I have held and the committees I have served on. I could tell you when I have missed my favorite shows and sleeping in on Saturday. What I don’t like to recount is the times God has told me to do, go, say, forgive, love…and I have just flat out said no – either in word or action.
How about those times I knew the right thing to do but chose to do what I wanted? Secretly hoping I had gained enough “sacrifice/offering” brownie points to outweigh my disobedience. I mean, do I think my “doing” is an insurance policy?
“But Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.” 1 Samuel 15:22 (NIV)
God does not need my money, my time, my resources, or me, to accomplish what He needs done. He didn’t create us for service. We were created for relationship. God wants to walk in the garden with us. To share in our lives. He wants us to choose the better thing.
“But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42 (NLT)
This story can make me crazy because I can be more Martha than Mary. I mean, if you are planning an event or having company (our word for guests in the south) for supper, you better hope there is someone with a few Martha tendencies around. If not, we might all be having some great conversation but our company is leaving with their stomachs growling. What is the better thing that Mary chose?
Maybe Mary was willing to eat a sandwich at Jesus’ feet instead of watching Him eat a buffet from afar.
Maybe Mary understood that more than what she could do for Jesus is what Jesus was doing within her.
Dear Lord, help us to love as You love. Remind us that more important than what we can do for You, is knowing You and living our lives in obedience to You. We want a show Lord. We want others to “see” our service and all the while, You are a stranger to us. We crave a relationship with You and often we don’t even understand that’s what we long for. We need You Lord. Thank You for loving us before we even loved You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:10 (NIV)
Joining in with Kelly Balarie’s #raralinkup
That’s the kind of love that we’re enjoying as God’s children. Since He’s a complete, an all sufficient, and all-powerful God; therefore, His love is sufficient to sustain us in our struggles.
Absolutely! We get so caught up in what we can do, we miss the best sometimes. Just to love. Thanks for stopping by!
Shall we eat a sandwich at Jesus’ feet today? Loved the analogy and would love to eat a sandwich or even crumbs with Jesus any day.
Loved this too –> “He didn’t create us for service. We were created for relationship. God wants to walk in the garden with us. To share in our lives. He wants us to choose the better thing.”
And lastly? Triple loved the “Crushed” velvet chair encouragement for new blog subscribers. You go, girl!
Thank you Kristi! You are such an encourager. I’m glad God led us to cross paths. You make this journey sweeter. Blessings friend.
This is beautiful, Carmen. I’ve said “no” to the Lord far more times than my mind wants to remember or my heart wants to admit. Love and obedience–together. Oh Lord, keep teaching me! Thank you for lifting up God’s truth. You’re a blessing!
Me too Sabra. I have said no when I deceived myself into thinking I said yes. Lord help me. Blessings to you my friend.
Carmen, yes, pure love is so much better than a sacrifice. Love that just wants to “be”. Thank you for encouraging our hearts (and lightening our load) today. You speak words we all need to hear. Cheering you from the #RaRalinkup. I am so glad you joined us.
Love is just hard isn’t it. It requires so much of our heart. Thanks for stopping by Kelly. I love you and your community. Blessings friend.
Ah, we so often get it turned around, don’t we? We love, therefore we serve. But love is the most important thing–for without out it, our service is just…service.
Absolutely Anita. Service just seems so well, easy. It strokes my affirmation need. God is so patient. He waits and loves and woes. God = amazing love! Thanks for stopping by!
LOVED this Carmen! So often I find myself caught up in the sacrifice of works. Now I’m learning to be still and just offer my love. Blessings!
As I confessed Barbie, I can be a Martha! I have to remind myself to sit still. Thank you for your kind words and for stopping by for a visit. I appreciate you!