An elderly woman’s two daughters dropped by one day to clean her home. Both made the house sparkle, but the first daughter left the impression that her work was a burden. The second was cheery and made her mother feel that her sacrifice was a joy. Both daughters did the same tasks, but the first seemed to do them out of duty alone. The second revealed that her labors were out of love for her mother.
Putting myself in the shoes of the elderly mother, I would be saddened by the daughter who made it evident that her work was a burden and be blessed by the one who cleaned with a smile on her face. Reflecting on this, I wonder: What’s my motivation to serve God and those He places in my life? Does He see me serving out of a sense of duty or out of love for Him?
In Isaiah 1, the Israelites were offering sacrifices to God as He’d commanded, and they were also keeping the Sabbath and festivals. But He said, “I am sick of your burnt offerings of rams” (Isaiah 1:11), “I want no more of your pious meetings” (Isaiah 1:13), and “I hate your new moon celebrations and your annual festivals” (Isaiah 1:14). Why? Because God knew the hearts of the people performing all those outwardly sparkling sacrifices—people whose hearts were far from Him. Their worship was a matter of tradition and ritual observance rather than heartfelt desire to love and honor Him.
Does God see our love for Him reflected in what we do? Consider why we pray, read the Bible, attend church, and give a portion of our income as a tithe. And as we allow God’s Word to search our hearts, may we repent and ask Him to help us do what’s right and for the right reason—out of love for the One who loves us so well.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Genesis 39:1-23
More:
Read John 4:24 and 2 Corinthians 9:7 to see what God is seeking in our outward displays of love for Him.
Next:
How can you make sure your acts of service and sacrifice for God are done in the right spirit? How did God show love for us through His sacrifice?
Gary Shultz on January 22, 2017 at 6:35 am
Hi Poh: After reading the article, I find it may apply to me more than I would like to admit. Sometimes I wonder what happened to the closeness, what am I doing wrong. Oh, thankfully it doesn’t go on for years, hopefully not months, or even weeks. In those times as strange as it may seem going through the motions aren’t doing much good; however, I do find benefit in staying committed to a good routine will be the connection to corrective steps. I will explain it, if I continue to read, my difficulty is spotted soon, If I continue to pray the disconnection is evident. Even though I have not come to terms or even examined what is causing the disconnect, I know problems exist. Yes, I agree to continue on and say, I am doing my daily duty, my obligation to God, I must be okay, would be disastrous. Doing and being are such different things, like the daughters of today’s post. Thanks Poh
Poh Fang Chia on January 22, 2017 at 8:50 pm
Thank you, Gary, for adding to the reflection. Indeed, obedience out of duty is better than no obedience at all. And we need to stay committed to God even when we don’t feel like we truly love Him. Good thoughts! : )
hsnpoor on January 22, 2017 at 5:06 pm
I try not to sit around and think “now what can I do for God today”. Instead, I ask God to please make me sensitive to the needs around me as I go through the day and empower me to do what I can, according to his resources, to meet the/those need/needs. That includes everything from sharing the Gospel to buying a stranger a meal or giving someone a few dollars. When I consider what the Lotd has done for me, I am grateful and happy to do whatever he lays on my mind &/or heart to do, in His name, and glad to direct any praise, honor & glory to Him.
Poh Fang Chia on January 22, 2017 at 8:52 pm
I will try to do what you are doing today—asking God to make me sensitive to Him. Thank you for sharing this wonderful application.
alig on June 10, 2017 at 7:43 pm
Sometimes it is difficult to continue to serve with love in the face of ongoing need in ones life. It is challenging to continue to muster strength and passion when your heart is heavy and getting heavier. Waiting for your ‘time’ can be a huge challenge. It is at these times the sense of duty can keep you going when you’d prefer to give up!!! Lets be honest….it’s not all sweetness and light!!