Too Much Or Not Enough - Audio

Deep down, all of us want to please God. To do that, we often give of ourselves: our time, our efforts, or our money. We can give all we have and more, but if what we give is not what God wants, what have we accomplished? Is it possible to give too much? When we try to impress God or outdo our neighbors, we may have given too much. The Old Testament is particular about sacrifices. It defines certain animals, in an exact condition, for each type of offering. The law also had allowances for those who could not afford a bull or a ram, to use a dove or a pigeon in place of the more expensive animal. God provided a way for each person to offer and accept an acceptable sacrifice for their sins. Sometimes we try to bargain with God by giving something else in place of the sacrifice He asks of us. It is not about the quantity. It is about the quality. God has no need for our wealth; He is asking a sacrifice from us to demonstrate our reliance on Him. God knows what we can bring. He is not asking us to outdo our neighbor; He is asking us to outdo ourselves. Whatever God is asking of us is what we should give. We should not question what He wants, or how He wants it. God is not trying to trick us. All we have to do is be pleasing to the Lord. Are we pleasing God when we do what he didn't ask us to do? What about the opposite situation? What if we won't give God what He asks? We offer too little when we only offer some. To obey is better than sacrifice. When we only obey part of what God asks, we have rejected all of God. God has shown what He wants from us. If we give more, it is not pleasing to Him, and if we give less, it is a sin. We must find a balance between giving too much and withholding what is required.