Hebrews 10:8-10–When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), 

In being a parent, admittedly there are times when I could care less whether you have a heart to please me or not when it comes to doing your chores, just do them!  Though it would be much more joyous for the relationship, if my kids had “a heart” to do them with a desire to please, I realize that isn’t the case.  So many times I settle for “duty” of their works, without really praying for their heart to change, that hopefully their works become a sign of love and gratitude…

Religion can become the same thing, and replace true Christianity and relationship with Jesus.  That somehow we emphasis our works and responsibilities, rather than what kind of heart they come from.  To examine our hearts takes work, and added responsibility to truly judge ourselves and why we do things (1 Corinthians 11:31).  Soon such “works” become burdensome, to the point we stop doing them if love for Jesus is not the root cause…

This is why God never desired sacrifices and offerings over the heart of His people.  Though works are important and necessary to prove faith, they should spring from the root of love from a heart of gratitude.  Not from a heaven burden, like my kids see their “works” around the house.(James 2:26, Hebrews 10:24, Matthew 11:30)

Gratefully, we now can replace old works of offerings and sacrifices, with the ultimate sacrifice and work Christ did on the cross.  So now gratitude in relationship with Christ can overshadow the overvaluing of our own work, that we enjoy the relationship!  Without putting love for Christ at the forefront of why we do any work, is to replace love and gratitude for duty-laden burdens, which is what He died to replace…

In His Love, Ld