Obedience For the Right Reason

In many churches I’ve been to, there’s a common practice of passing around a tithe basket during service. People place money, checks, or envelopes into the basket, while others take cash straight from their wallets and drop it in. Sadly, especially in smaller churches where everyone knows everyone, some give not out of love or obedience but to be seen by others.

In our church, however, we don’t pass around a tithe basket. Instead, there are discreet boxes in the halls where people can leave their tithes and offerings when they feel led to give. At first, I found this odd, but I later understood it reflects an important principle: giving should come from the heart, not from compulsion or a desire to impress others. It echoes Jesus’ teaching that “you don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” (Matthew 6:3), reminding us that our actions should be motivated by love and humility, not by seeking attention.

Obedience Rooted in Love

This principle extends beyond tithing. True obedience to God should always flow from love, not compulsion or tradition. As 1 Corinthians 13:1 says, “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” Even the most outwardly righteous acts, if done without love, are empty in God’s eyes.

Love transforms our obedience into something meaningful and pleasing to Him. Jesus does not merely seek compliance; He desires a relationship—a connection where our hearts align with His will and our actions reflect His love.

Matthew 15:3-6: Jesus on Prioritizing Love Over Tradition

In Matthew 15:3-6, Jesus rebuked the priests for encouraging traditions that contradicted God’s commands. They prioritized giving to the temple at the expense of caring for their parents, violating the fifth commandment, “Honor thy father and thy mother.” Their actions stemmed from a sense of duty to tradition rather than love for God and others.

This passage challenges us to evaluate our motives for doing what we consider “right.” Duty alone isn’t enough; Jesus calls us to live out our faith with a genuine heart, rooted in love.

Relationship vs Religion

The word “religion” often becomes synonymous with rituals—acts done out of habit or compulsion without understanding their true significance. Jesus calls us beyond mere ritual and into a personal, transformative relationship with Him.

When we see Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, as a close friend and companion rather than a distant cosmic Being, our perspective shifts. His incarnation as Emmanuel, “God with us,” demonstrates His desire to walk with us in love and intimacy.

God looks at the state of our hearts, not just our outward actions. Faith without works is dead (James 2:14-26), but works without faith and love hold no meaning to Him. Only when our actions are fueled by love can they bring glory to God and deepen our relationship with Him.

Reflection Questions

1. When was the last time you gave or acted out of love instead of obligation?
2. How do you remind yourself to prioritize relationship with God over religious rituals?
3. What areas of your life might need re-evaluation to ensure your actions come from a genuine heart?
4. How does understanding Jesus as Emmanuel, “God with us,” shape the way you approach obedience?
5. What practical steps can you take to align your faith and works in a way that honors God?

Lesson:

Obedience rooted in love, not compulsion or tradition, is what pleases God. By focusing on relationship over ritual, we align our hearts with His will and reflect His love through our actions. Let us seek to honor Him with a faith that is alive, sincere, and filled with love.