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Life is so overwhelming that sometimes it helps to start from zero—to cut out everything and then ask yourself, What must I do? What is God absolutely urging me to do?

Pretend for a moment that you are looking at your calendar or datebook. In your imagination, erase every single thing you should do. Look at that empty space and ask God to make it clear what you need to do to fulfill his purpose for you. Ask him, "What one or two tasks do you want me to do?" (Consider the simplest commands to love God with all your self and to love others.)

Then review each of the other items. With rigorous honesty examine your motives. Ask yourself, Why do I do this? To please others? Because I want to be admired? (The latter one was one of King Saul's driving motivations, 15:30.) Which tasks do you carry out because God has convinced you that they are important? If you can't tell put all those items on hold and ask God to reveal your motives and his priorities to you. (See also Genesis 22:1-19; Haggai 2:6-9; Luke 10:38-42; Revelation 2:1-7.)

Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams. 1 Samuel 15:22

What are your motives for what you do?

Copyright 2001 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christian Bible Studies.

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