The Better Offering

Commandments are about what to do; the Sermon on the Mount is about the why. Jesus told the lawyer to love God with all his heart, soul, and mind, and his neighbor as himself (Matthew 22:37-39). Devotion and obedience to God involves the whole being and governs our motives.

This comes to mind every time I fill out a pledge of my gifts to God. It is easier to fulfill the physical act than finding the right motive. Is there some reluctance? Maybe. Is it my best? Not always. Am I condemned? No, for by grace, God already knows my weaknesses and gave me the gift of his Son, Jesus, who died and rose for me. Then I say a prayer of thanks for my Savior.