God, what do you want?

Have you ever found yourself asking God that question?

Let's just be honest you and I both know we have.  Whether it's in frustration, anger, confusion, or for whatever reason most of us have asked something to the affect of:

God what do you want or God what do you want out of me?

God has given us the answer and the answer is probably very unexpected and surprising to most.

For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings. (Hosea 6:6 NIV)

Sometimes we get too caught up on other things and forget what God really wants.  Israel thought if they have enough sacrifices to God, if they paid enough money, or did enough deeds that it would suffice God.  We read that and we think "that is crazy how could they think that way?", but is it really that crazy.  I mean are we not acting or even teaching that today?  

Do we not tell people they have to serve, they have got to give or tithe, or they have to work, work, work to please the Lord.  Don't misunderstand me, we should serve, give or tithe, and work for the Lord, however we should because we want to and not because we have to.  There is a monumental difference.

God is more interested in the overflow of our love for Him as it flows through us into others.  His desire is mercy.  Mercy is compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.  God's desire is for us to be people of compassion, people of forgiveness, and people of gentleness Even though we may have the right to be angry, to punish, or hold a grudge.

He wants us to be merciful, and that's one thing, but He also mentions another. Acknowledgement. Acknowledgement is the action of expressing or displaying gratitude or appreciation for something.  Acknowledgement of God is expressing Him in our everyday life.  In our words, our actions, and in our love for others.

My thought is that God is just as interested in how we treat others as He is in how we treat Him.  Something to think about.

Chris