SCRIPTURE:
Offer sacrifices in the right spirit, and trust the Lord.
Psalms 4:5
OBSERVATION:
Have you ever begrudgingly done something good? When I was a young toddler, I remember a time when my mother forced me to apologize to someone. I don’t remember who I was apologizing to or the reason why I was apologizing in the first place, but I do remember my response. “I’m sorry!” I said sarcastically, rolling my eyes for unhappy emphasis. “Donovan, like you mean it!” “I’m sorry,” I said again, this time genuinely––not in fear of the Lord, but rather, in fear of my mother.
Sometimes, we do the right things with the wrong heart. We say the right words, but we don’t mean them. We do good deeds, but for our personal benefit. In this Psalm, David reminds us that heart matters. Intentions matter. The spirit with which you do things matters. David specifically says that there is a “right” spirit with which we should offer sacrifices to God. Do you know what that implies? It implies that there is also a “wrong” spirit with which we can make sacrifices too.
As Christians, we are to make sacrifices for the Lord, with the right heart. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 9:7, God loves a “cheerful” giver. We must sacrifice cheerfully, willingly, and generously. We must sacrifice knowing that the sacrifice is worth the cost. We must sacrifice for the Lord in the right Spirit, trusting in Him for our every need.
APPLICATION:
As Christians, giving is a major part of our faith. We practice giving of our tithes, our time, our resources, and our heart. Giving naturally requires us to make a sacrifice. After giving, we are left with less––less time, less money, less resources. Yet, with God, we somehow always end up with a greater reward.
As you give to the Lord, do so with the right spirit––with a heart fully willing and hands fully open. Trust in Him knowing that He is faithful to His promises and that He will always provide for your every need. Trust in God, give generously of your life, and do so with the right intentions, and in doing so, you will discover life to the fullest.
PRAYER:
God,
Thank You for the gift of generosity. It is a privilege to sacrifice for You and to give back to You what You have given me in the first place. I trust You fully, and I thank You for supplying my every need. I willingly, gladly, and cheerfully give You my heart, my soul, and my life. Have Your way in me.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
