In a world which revolves around an emphasis of doing and performing fed by a “just do it” mentality, God wants us to focus on our being—who we are in Him. Our being is first defined by what is in our heart; what we believe and are convicted of. We then express and reflect what’s in our heart through responses and actions. So before we randomly do and give unto God, we do better by considering the state of our heart; allowing God to reveal its substance, then making changes. We then are better poised to give to him out of a changed nature. Such giving honors and blesses God; and in return, blesses us.
RELEVANCE
David thought through this concept. God revealed to him the relevance of this great truth.
“O Lord, open my lips,
And my mouth shall show forth Your praise.
For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it;
You do not delight in burnt offering.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,
A broken and a contrite heart —
These, O God, You will not despise.”
(Psalm 51:15-17)
Paul carried this point forward and offered the following words of encouragement.
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:1-2).
Being a child of God blessing God with a heart inclined towards Him, then blessing others, is the way of the Kingdom of God.
REFLECT AND RELATE
What are some ways you can bless God through the substance of your heart?
How do you see giving to others with a different heart?
REFERENCES
Colossians 1:9-29