Subscription Lists

Relevant Reflections

    by Rebecca Livermore

Love or Duty (Isaiah 1:11)
Date Posted: November 22, 2006

“To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices to Me?” says the Lord. “I have had enough of burnt offerings, of rams and the fat of fed cattle. I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs and goats.” (Isaiah 1:11 NKJV).

Many of us do “good” things in an attempt to win the favor of either God or man. Sacrifices, although noble in the eyes of man, can be a stench in the nostrils of God. Your journal is a great place to interact with the truth found in Isaiah 1:11-13.

Use your journal to explore the following:

  • Write a list of all of your current responsibilities. Jot down everything that comes to mind, even the small things.
  • Now go through your list and consider your source of motivation – love or duty – for each of the items. Next to each item write either an “L” for love, or a “D” for duty.
  • Tally up the number of “Ls” and the number of “Ds.” Which is your strongest source of motivation – love or duty?
  • Are there things on the list that you are doing in an attempt to earn favor with God or man? Write about those things, as well as the effect the performance mentality has on your emotional and spiritual well being.
  • Do you get frustrated when people fail to appreciate the sacrifices you make for them? Write about how you handle the frustration.
  • It’s possible that some of the things you are doing out of duty could be done from a heart of love. How can you shift your focus from duty to love in the daily responsibilities of your life?

"'Christ in You...'" from Dale Krebbs

Perilous Times

Read Article »
Biography Information:
Rebecca Livermore is a speaker and freelance writer from Denver, Colorado. Her passion is helping people grow spiritually. To learn more about her ministry, and to read her articles on spiritual disciplines, visit http://www.rebeccalivermore.com.
Got Something to Share?
LiveAsIf.org is always looking for new writers. Whether it is a daily devotional or a weekly article, if you desire to encourage others to know Him better, then signup to become a contributor.