Today's Devotional

June 11, 2003

Subject:  Stop Giving And Start Living

Proverbs 15:8 - "The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight."

The phrase in the title may sound a bit strange for a Christian because it's somewhat incomplete.  The rest of the phrase should say, "start living righteously."  So many people are confused on the issue of giving to God.  Whether it be their resources of money or treasure or the use of their talent.  The confusion isn't usually over whether or not they should give, but how much is right before God.  Well as the verse above says, while we may be consumed with the thoughts over how much or what to give, God isn't really that much concerned with those issues as He is with our hearts and what we're doing in that area.

If you look closely, the verse appears to talk about giving (sacrifice).  However, it goes on to identify that His delight is in our communication with Him as we walk in His way (upright).  Perhaps God knows what we struggle to find out, that is, if we talk to Him, He will guide our steps in every area of life.  This includes how much or what to give.  See He still cares more for how we live than what we give.  Giving with poor motives is an abomination to Him.

So today, stop concentrating so much on what to give and start walking uprightly before Him and let His omnipotent hand guide you into His perfect plan.

Carlen