It has never been about what you think you have to offer.
It really does not matter how talented you are, how rich you are, how generous you are, or how beautiful you are... what really matters is being able to say 'Here I am, and I am willing to do your will God.' Please do not get me wrong, being very talented (in any area, whether that be sports, academics, creativity, etc...), being generous, and any other physical capability are very good things and God desire us to use those for His kingdom. I believe far too often we buy the lie that those are our offerings and those are our sacrifices to God. That if we give ten percent of our income, or if we play for His glory, or if we use our creativity for Him that is all that is required of us... and that is where we get caught in a tricky lie.
Time and again as you read throughout the Bible we see this idea of physical gifts is not what God requires. Well what does He require? Here are three quick passages that tell us...
>We see in Amos 5 that God did not want sacrifices so much as He wants righteousness. Actions without a sincere heart that desires to worship, follow, serve, and be obedient to God has no significant meaning.
>We see in Isaiah 1 that God has more than enough burnt offerings (well I know that the majority of you are not practicing burnt offerings...so maybe substitute some physical thing that you 'give' to God), He has enough of our measly offerings... What does God want? He wants us to do what is right, to seek justice, to seek His face, to love those around us passionately.
>We see in Hebrews 10 that God does not want someone to say I will give you this... He wants someone that will say 'Here I am, to do your will.'
Do you think you have something to offer God? Or, are you willing to simply say, whatever you require of me, I am here to do your will? Check your motives.
-kAt
