“Obedience that does not flow from the heart counts for very little in the eyes of God. It’s what’s inside that counts.”
David G. Benner
Sometimes we become so focused on God’s mission and obedience to do His will for our lives, that we lose sight of our hearts. Though Solomon, in Proverbs 4:23, writes “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” God emphasizes our hearts over our mission because He knows our love for Him (heart) is to be the motivation for ministry. Obedience to God’s will flows out of our love for God.
“Help me to fall more madly in love with You” is a prayer that has more ripple effect than, “Show me Your will and mission that You desire me to fulfill.” Because when you truly love Someone, when your heart is fully surrendered and devoted to the One you love, mission is a natural knee-jerk reaction. You want to please the One you love. Obedience to God’s will flows from a lover’s heart.
“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7b). Surrendering our hearts is desired more by God than compliant behavior to do His will. Because when God has our hearts, He has all of us. Our hearts are like rudders on a ship directing where we’ll go and what we’ll do.
God prioritizes having the right relationship over the right behavior. He knows our oneness and intimacy with Him, will result in the right actions and obedience. Our relationship with God trumps religion and obeying His rules. God is after our hearts first, knowing our behavior will follow. Surrendering to God is more an attitude of the heart than an act of obedience.
Ask God to increase your love for Him when you struggle to surrender and obey His mission. When your love for God and trust in Him increases, your ability to surrender flows more readily. Make your heart and your love relationship with God a priority and watch how easily you’ll surrender to His mission for your life.
“Motivation counts because God wants our love and friendship, not just the right behavior.”
David G. Benner
Relevant Reflections:
Which is more dominant in your life – your heart or your mission?
In prayer, ask God to cause you to fall madly in love with Him.
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