Taking Action for Good

This week during my reading of the Old Testament I found myself focusing on action. Our actions determine our consequences, both those that are temporary, and those that are eternal. The Lord will not accept someone who has lived their entire life with despicable and selfish actions, and has filled their heart only with darkness and indulgence. Acting in line with the Lord's words and will may be difficult, but it is important to our own welfare. The Lord takes note of all our actions and will remember them. For example, those who dare to take advantage of the poor and needy will eventually have to pay the price for their actions. (Amos 8:4-7) If we want to be supported by the Lord, then our actions must be kind and admirable. Whether we are wealthy or poor, how we treat others will be remembered, and our actions will determine both what we attain in this life and the next, and who we will become.

However, even more than righteous actions, the Lord wants our hearts to be righteous. (Hosea 6: 6-7) “For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.” Even if we follow the commandments and go through the actions, if our hearts are not in it then those actions will not mean anything. It is like a ‘gift’ given begrudgingly. Though I might be outwardly following the Lord, if inwardly I am rebellious and withholding my heart, then those actions will mean nothing to me and very little to the Lord. To truly become one of the Lord’s people, I must put my heart into following him. Not only are my actions important, by my intent as well. Just as the Israelites in olden times may have outwardly shown their worship through sacrifice, inwardly there was no actual devotion. In other words, our true devotion is more valuable than false or careless servitude, and it will eventually manifest itself in our outward actions.