In Acts 5:1-10, God shows us what He thinks of false worship. How often are we just like Ananias and Sapphira? We come to church or our quiet time with God, saying, "God, I give you everything. Take all of me." But we keep something back for ourselves. We sing songs like, "Lord, I give you my heart, I give you my soul. I live for you alone." But it's a lie. We keep our pet sins close to us and hope He won't see them or that He won't want them. He does.
The Lord detests false worship to the degree that Ananias and Sapphira were killed because of it. It can feel so good to sing those words, and sometimes we convince ourselves that we actually believe them. But if we're completely honest, we're not willing to go through the sorrow and suffering it takes to let go of our greatest weaknesses. The Lord desires for us to worship in spirit and in truth. He takes no delight in listening to us sing lies to Him. So the next time you're singing in church or praying in your quiet time, be careful of what you're saying.
Speak only truth to the Lord, and confess the rest. More than the "You're all I want," prayer, which may or may not be accurate, I believe He delights in the prayer of "Father, you're not all I want right now. Help me to let go of my material desires and long only for you." He loves you dearly and wants desperately to have a close, intimate friendship with you. One based on honesty, love, and trust. And how can He trust you if you constantly lie to Him? Most of us with any sort of discernment detest those who tell us only what they think we want to hear. Why would God, who knows our own hearts better than we do, be any different?
Lord, forgive us of our duplicitous, deceitful ways. Let us bring you only the offering that is true, and let the size of that offering grow as our faith in you does as well.
2 comments:
Hi, Corrie!
Charlotte and I asked your dad for your blog address. We wanted to let you know we are praying for you. I appreciate some of what you are going through. I had many similar feelings when, as a kid, I joined the Air Force. Boot camp there wasn't at all fun. Strange that since then I fondly look back at it as the beginning of real growth and maturity. I believe you will do that same - someday. Our home email address is gdarling@cox.net. Don't worry about writing us individually but only if you send group emails because we want to keep up with your exciting life.
Blessings to you,
Gary
Mrs. Matchell,
Everything you've written here is simply fantastic, it's clear that God is working wonders through you and I'm glad that you are so willing to share what you learn. Would you mind sending your e-mail address to me? I'd like to discuss a couple things. My address is mrmarkhaney@gmail.com
-Mark Haney
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