I love this reminder that God does not need us:
“I have no complaint about your sacrifices or the burnt offerings you constantly offer. But I do not need the bulls from your barns or the goats from your pens. For all the animals of the forest are mine, and I own the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird on the mountains, and all the animals of the field are mine.” 50:8-10
Finding my right place with God is hard, and I wonder if I’ll ever get my head around it. But Scripture reminds me that meekness and humility is always the best place to start.
It’s easy to find value and confidence in all the hard, sacrificial ways you’re serving God. All the money you’re giving away, all the spiritual routines you have in place, how different and unique you live compared to other Christians, etc, etc, etc.
God does not need your money. Your religion does not help him. And having your life reflect the way Christ lived is simply obedience; not a platform for pride. I find a lot of freedom in this, but it burns my pride a little too.
Check your heart. Are you giving away money because you believe it’s an extension of God’s grace in your life and you want to obediently give back to him? And show him trust?
Are you spending time reading the Bible and praying because you want to step in to relationship with him, receive guidance and change?
What are the “burnt offerings” in your life? What’s your motivation for putting them up on the altar?
-Carly
