Proverbs 21:3

The book of Proverbs gives us a lot of instruction on a lot of different subjects. One subject that can keep us in God’s wisdom is Godly Follower-ship. Who we follow; where we follow; how we follow are all spoken about in Proverbs. Here is one of them 

Proverbs 21:3

To do righteousness and justice is desired by the Lord more than sacrifice.

Making a sacrifice of your time, talent or treasure is a commendable thing. Giving someone your afternoon to help them move, or using your talent to encourage someone or putting money into a charity bucket is always good. But, according to Solomon, in the above proverb, that is not what God wants, only. That sacrifice of time, talent and treasure is only the trailer being pulled behind the vehicle of Doing Right and Acting Just. You can’t do the sacrificial things without first doing the right thing and the just thing when called upon. We all think that doing good acts is what God wants. And, He does. But, doing good acts has to flow out of a heart that is just and right. Don’t get caught up in doing until you are first right with being. It is a lot easier to do right when you first and foremost are right by being IN CHRIST (Romans 5 and 6).   Remember, one of the issues with the nation of Israel was their willingness to go through the motions to do sacrifices:

Isaiah 1:11-14 (ESV)

11 “What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices?

says the LORD;

I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams

and the fat of well-fed beasts;

I do not delight in the blood of bulls,

or of lambs, or of goats.

12 “When you come to appear before me,

who has required of you

this trampling of my courts?

13 Bring no more vain offerings;

incense is an abomination to me.

New moon and Sabbath and the calling of convocations—

I cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly.

14 Your new moons and your appointed feasts

my soul hates;

they have become a burden to me;

I am weary of bearing them.

God wants our hearts, not our works.