What Does God Want?

What can we bring to the Lord? Micah 6:6

IF YOU HAD to get God a gift, what would you get him? What present would you lay at the feet of the Creator? Let's say you wanted to make up for the things you've done to hurt him. You've ignored his requests, you've cheated on him, you've gone months without acknowledging his existence, and now you want to say you're sorry and try to make things right. What would you give him to show him you're sincere? The prophet Micah poses this same question to the people of Israel:

"What can we bring to the Lord to make up for what we've done? Should we bow before God with offerings of yearling calves? Should we offer him thousands of rams and tens of thousands of rivers of olive oil? Would that please the Lord? Should we sacrifice our firstborn children to pay for the sins of our souls? Would that make him glad?" (6:6-7).

What about you? What would your gift be? Would you think about giving a large lump sum to your church? Would you consider making a promise? I'll read my Bible every night before bedtime, and I'll go to church every Sunday, Lord. Maybe I'll even join a men's breakfast group. Do you think that would appease him? Is that what God wants? Let's let Micah answer the question for us.

"No, O people, the Lord has already told you what is good, and this is what he requires: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8).

Do you want to make God happy? Do you want to know what he wants in place of your money or gifts or offerings? He wants your heart. Your life. Your mercy toward others. Your humility before his throne. God wants from you the same thing that he gives to you. He pours himself out for us, and he wants us to pour ourselves out for others.

He gives unconditional love, and he wants us to selflessly love others. He walks with us, and he wants us to walk with him.

God doesn't want to break your bank; he wants to have your heart. He doesn't want your gifts, he wants you. God doesn't need a present, he wants devotion. And that's something that each of us have to give.

Embracing Eternity: Living Each Day with a Heart Toward Heaven.