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Christian Deeds-Wrong Motives
Rod ShimabukuroBut now your kingdom shall not continue. The LORD has sought out a man after his own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.” 1 Samuel 13:14
King Saul violated protocol involving offerings to God. He did not wait for Samuel to perform the peace and burnt offerings as was instructed. It seems that Saul was pressured by seeing his people scattering, in fear of the large number of Philistines closing in to attack them. Did Saul panic? He obviously jumped the gun - disobeying God, through Samuel. Why wouldn’t God extend a little grace especially since he made “offerings unto God?”
Saul would lose His title, position, responsibilities, power... and Kingdom! When does God not accept an offering made in His name? When His instructions are not followed. When they are violated - like Saul. Especially out of fear? Maybe Saul was thinking more about his position, status, opponents assault...?!
Whamo! I feel like I’ve been blindsided by God - but in a good way. Have I offered my “God offerings” to Him - thinking I’m doing right thing? Have I done’ nice Christian things, served, given, blessed, sacrificed... for others, as if that’s my offering of worship to God?
I feel like God is saying that my intentions may have been good, but I can be (and HAVE BEEN) misled. Misled, jumping the gun to “do good, nice, religiously kind deeds” but missed true worship. Because I served, gave, lived, did nice Christian things... for MY GAIN - or impure, wrong or selfish motives. Yikes! Do I “do Christian deeds” in the name of God with wrong motives!
I repent! Forgive me! Cleanse Me of all my unrighteous motives! Thank YOU JESUS! You always are so Great, Good, Loving, Merciful to press “restart” giving me a fresh, new, clean beginning! I LOVE YOU!
