Psalm 50
If we had lived in Jerusalem when the temple was there and people worshiped in it, we would have probably asked, “Lord, why are you criticizing us?” We come regularly to temple. We are busy as bees serving around the temple. But God says going to temple is not the most important thing. Of course it is important, but it will not establish a relationship with God. If we want a relationship with God, we need to establish it through Christ, by obeying his instructions.
The Lord tells his people that he doesn't need their sacrifices. God wants their obedience and their observance of his instructions. Being a true follower of Christ involves action, service and change. Since I have been attending Central, it seems like the same servants of the church are doing God’s work. I don’t think Central is unique in this process. Having attended different denominations in several states over the years, I have witnessed the same phenomena everywhere. Don’t get me wrong. I am one of the sinners too. I know I could do more to serve God’s people. We can all justify our lack of commitment because of the day-to-day challenges we face. But we are all called to serve, and based on my observations, the people who are deeply involved in service to the Lord seem to be the happiest. If one were to visit the church kitchen on any Tuesday or Saturday morning, one would see the dedication and joy experienced by the volunteers, especially the chief cook and bottle washer.
Remember Christ’s admonition to his disciples in Matthew 22:
When the disciples asked: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandant in the Law?” Jesus replied “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. And love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Written by Frank Cooper
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