What God wants from His people is not mere actions. He wants something more.
God wants more than actions for the same reason we don’t trust salesmen. Their actions could be exactly what we want and they could be incredibly helpful, but we don’t trust their actions because we question their motives. We think ‘They’re only interested in the sale, not what’s best for me – they see me as profit.’ God sees motives. I wonder how often God looks at our actions and says, ‘You’re doing the right things, but for completely wrong reasons. You’re acting like a salesman and are only interested in a commission(blessing).’
Hosea 6.6 says “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.” God says through Hosea, ‘You’ve misunderstood what I want. I’m not interested in your ceremony and attempts to pacify me – I want your heart! You’re doing the right things, but for entirely wrong reasons!’
1 Samuel 16:7b reminds us of this when God declared “I do not look at the things people look at. Man looks at how someone appears on the outside. But I look at what is in the heart.”
God still looks at the heart. He looks at the motive. He sees why we do what we do. God wants your heart more than your offerings, church attendance, or Bible reading. God is most interested in the condition of your heart. He looks at your heart because the posture, focus, and filler of your heart will dictate everything else in your life.
Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” What do you treasure most? Who or what has your heart?
Your actions follow who you are and what you desire…your actions follow your heart. When God has your heart, then He will also have your actions. Give God more than a sales pitch.
Consider your motives, not just your actions, and give Him your heart.
Author: Pastor Kaleb Kemper