TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE
Truly, I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
Mark 13:30–31
DEVOTIONAL
by Elder Chris Beltran
Through the generations, God’s people somehow have this notion that they could please Him through their service and their offerings regardless of their heart condition.
Ananias and Sapphira thought that their generous gift to the church was enough to compensate for their deceitfulness (Acts 5:1–11). King Saul offered generous sacrifices, hoping God would overlook his disobedience. To obey is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22–23). King David may have also assumed that after all he had done on God’s behalf, God would overlook his sin of adultery and murder. He did not do anything for a year until Nathan, the prophet, confronted him. Paul certainly thought his zealousness in persecuting the early church would please God. After his conversion, he concluded that even if he had a faith that could move mountains, gave all he had to feed people experiencing poverty, and offered his body to be burned and yet had a heart that was not right, it would all be for nothing.
Remember, no matter how much we do in His service, how active we are in the church, no matter how honorable we are in the church community, God sees our heart. He will not be pacified by the most generous offerings and zealous service if our hearts are not right with Him.
How is your heart condition? Do you truly love Him with all of your heart? Jesus is asking us, “Do you truly love me? Obey my commandments“ (John 14:15).
Reference: Experiencing God
PRAYER
Search me, oh God, and know my heart today. Try me, oh Savior, know my thoughts, I pray. See if there is some wicked way in me. Cleanse me from every sin, and set me free. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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