“To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice” (Proverbs 21:3, NIV).
Sometimes we don’t behave consistently with what we believe–or we claim to believe. What we purport is not how we comport!
Our behavior is defined by our beliefs–what we really, really believe, not what we say we believe.
It’s called ethics.
When we are more concerned with pleasing others, going along, or not standing out from the crowd than we are about doing the right thing, then we compromise what we believe. We behave unethically.
And, it begs the question: If you don’t behave it, do you really believe it?
The wisdom writer made this point quite clear: Being religious isn’t the same thing as being righteous.
Doing what is right is more important to God than doing religious things like going to the temple and offering a sacrifice or going to church and and putting money in the offering plate.
Think about it. If God already owns everything, why does He need our sacrifice?
He doesn’t, it’s for us!
Sacrifice is an act of worship to teach us how to love God and live for Him. It’s about giving–giving our possessions, our will, our bodies, our being–to Him, for Him. It’s about God being Lord and King of our lives.
If you really believe and accept that He is Lord and King over your life, then you will act like it; you will do what is right and just because God is right and just.
Your belief is a compass for your behavior. You know to behave because you know what you believe–because you know in Whom you believe!
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. (Romans 12:1, NIV)
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