Sacrifice (pt.2): Right Reasons. Right Heart.

SACRIFICE (pt.2): Right Reasons. Right Heart.

As with anything that we do for God, others and even ourselves, we must be cautious to be sincere and true in our intentions. In other words, we must do so honestly and with a good heart. G. Batiste said, “Sacrifice means nothing if you are doing it for the wrong reasons.” In relation to this, it is perhaps best if first we establish the “why” and determine further if the course of action is pleasing to God.

In Genesis 4, Cain and Abel gave a sacrifice to God from the best that they had to offer. But reading this passage, we find that God rejected Cain's sacrifice (v.3-5). It was not said exactly why God rejected Cain's sacrifice, but no doubt, it had something to do with his heart. Perhaps his intentions on some level or another were not righteous. In later verses, we see God warning Cain to guard his heart from evil, lest it consume him (v.7). His intentions at that moment were about himself, and he slew his brother. Perhaps his heart had already been tainted with a self-serving drive even before giving his sacrifice. We do not know for sure, but God knew. And He still knows now the longings and intentions our our hearts today. It is great to follow God's commands, but it is empty unless we have our hearts in the right place. Our service is useless without substance.

Later in the Old Testament, the wise King Solomon stated, “The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?” (Proverbs 21:27)
An abomination is something that God detests or makes him want to turn his face from. If God were to turn from us, we would have no hope of peace and no substance. We need God. Therefore, all that we do should be for him. All sacrifices should be modeled after the sacrifice given for us- with not only good intentions but aided with a righteous heart. Good intentions are not enough, but acting also, with good Christian thoughts will bring good intentions to a righteous destination. God wants our sacrifice. And when done with the right reasons and the right heart, God will accept it and favor us.

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Renewed (pt.3): Prepared for God's Will

God can and will renew our strength because in doing so we are prepared to do His will. God will not send us out to do any task ill-prepared or without the proper tools. Romans 12:2 says And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. One definition of the word transform is retool. Adhering to the social mindset or standards of the world disarms us, for in this instance, we are becoming part of what we should be avoiding or even fighting. But if we change our thoughts to desire fulfilling the works of God, we will be retooled and once again be prepared to move forward in God.

There is no situation that could keep us from being renewed. The broken and the weak are still capable of the redemption and transformation of God. There are many in the Bible who were broken and weak but became whole and become kings queens, advisors, and chosen people.  It is when the decision to put God first is made, that we will be changed into the person that God will have us to be. He has placed everything, and even everyone that we need in our lives.

We are never disqualified from God's grace or mercy. Though we do not deserve it by any means, the price was paid so many years ago, all flaws considered, all words considered, all acts, all thoughts, all sins considered. To receive change we must seek change. Renewal, revitalization, regrouping-a great restart for the day, year, or life in general begins with God. We are His children and He loves us and wants us to be successful. He wants us to know that we can come to him to ask for the tools necessary to grow spiritually.

I pray that this has been a blessing for all who have read. Join us on social media for more ministries and worship.

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