Obsessive behaviour often stems from an underlying struggle with fear, control, or misplaced priorities. It can be triggered by anxiety, perfectionism, or a deep-seated need for validation. Sometimes, it arises from an overemphasis on worldly matters, unhealthy attachments, or a desire to control circumstances that are beyond one’s power. These tendencies can dominate thoughts and actions, leading to imbalance and inner turmoil.
While the Bible does not specifically mention “obsession,” it provides principles that address related attitudes, thoughts, and actions. Understanding the root causes of obsessive behaviour is key to addressing it. The Bible offers wisdom and guidance to help individuals realign their focus, find peace, and develop a healthier perspective rooted in trust and faith in God. Below are key teachings to help overcome obsessive tendencies.
Avoiding Anxiety and Fixation
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6) This verse encourages believers to surrender their concerns to God rather than allowing them to become all-consuming.
Focusing on God, Not Earthly Things
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2) Fixation on worldly matters can lead to imbalance, but focusing on God provides peace and perspective.
Avoiding Idolatry
“You shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3) Anything that dominates one’s thoughts or actions, whether a person, goal, or object, can become an idol. Obsessive behaviour can be seen as a form of misplaced worship.
Practising Self-Control
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7) The Holy Spirit equips believers with the ability to practise self-control and manage unhealthy fixations.
Renewing the Mind
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2) Through God’s Word, believers can reshape their thought patterns and avoid becoming trapped in obsessive thoughts.
Taking Every Thought Captive
“We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5) This reminds believers to align their thoughts with God’s truth, which can counteract unhealthy obsessions.
Pursuing Peace
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3) A focus on God brings peace, helping to reduce the turmoil often associated with obsessive behaviour.
These principles suggest that obsessive behaviour can often stem from misplaced priorities or an imbalance in one’s spiritual, emotional, or mental focus. The Bible encourages trusting God, seeking His guidance, and practising self-control to manage such tendencies.
Starting a new business, taking on a leadership role, or even stepping into a unique calling can be incredibly exciting—but it can also stir up feelings of fear and inadequacy. These feelings often come with something we call “imposter syndrome,” a persistent feeling of being unworthy or out of place, no matter your actual abilities or achievements. From a Christian perspective, this feeling is more than just a mental block; it’s a challenge to our faith and identity in Christ. Thankfully, God’s Word provides us with tools to break free from imposter syndrome and move boldly toward our calling.
1. Recognize the Source of Your Identity
Imposter syndrome often stems from comparing ourselves to others or believing our worth depends on our accomplishments. As Christians, our identity is grounded not in our achievements, but in Christ. The Bible reminds us in Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” God has equipped us uniquely and placed His purpose in our lives; our confidence should come from this truth, not our fears of inadequacy.
Practical Step: Every morning, remind yourself of your identity in Christ. Say, “I am a child of God, created for a purpose. My value is rooted in Him, not my achievements.”
2. Replace Self-Doubt with Faith in God’s Power
Imposter syndrome whispers that we’re unqualified. But 2 Timothy 1:7 assures us, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” This means we don’t have to rely on our own abilities; God empowers us. When we feel inadequate, we’re reminded that our strength comes from Him.
Practical Step: When doubt creeps in, counter it with prayer. Ask God for strength, wisdom, and courage to fulfill His calling on your life. Trust that He will empower you to accomplish what He has called you to do.
3. Understand that God’s Strength Shines in Weakness
The apostle Paul experienced what we might call “imposter syndrome” when he realized his weaknesses. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, God responded to him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Instead of seeing weaknesses as disqualifiers, see them as places where God’s strength can shine.
Practical Step: Write down areas where you feel inadequate or weak. Then, in prayer, ask God to work through these areas. He can transform what you see as weakness into powerful testimonies of His grace and ability.
4. Celebrate Small Victories and Trust in God’s Timing
When you’re starting something new, it’s easy to overlook small successes because you’re focused on the larger goal. Yet, celebrating small victories can remind you that God is working, even in little things. Zechariah 4:10 says, “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”
Practical Step: Keep a journal of small victories. Reflect on what God has accomplished through you, however small it may seem. These will serve as reminders of His faithfulness when doubt arises.
5. Focus on Serving Others, Not on Proving Yourself
Imposter syndrome is often rooted in self-focused fears of inadequacy or being found lacking. But the Bible teaches us to focus on serving others rather than proving ourselves. Philippians 2:3-4 instructs, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” When we approach our work as a means to serve and uplift others, we’re less likely to fall into the trap of self-doubt.
Practical Step: Instead of dwelling on what others think of you, ask yourself, “How can I bless or serve others through my work?” Make a habit of shifting the focus from yourself to the people you’re helping or impacting.
6. Be Aware of Spiritual Warfare
Imposter syndrome can also be a form of spiritual attack. Satan wants to keep us in fear and self-doubt because it prevents us from fulfilling God’s purposes. But in James 4:7 we’re reminded, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Equip yourself with prayer, Scripture, and fellowship with other believers who can support you and remind you of God’s promises.
Practical Step: If you feel overwhelmed by imposter syndrome, take time to pray, and declare God’s truth over your life. Surround yourself with believers who can encourage you and help you see your gifts and purpose from a biblical perspective.
7. Remember You Are Called for a Purpose
God has a specific plan for each of our lives. He places us in unique circumstances and positions for His glory. Romans 8:28 assures us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” When we face imposter syndrome, it’s essential to remind ourselves that God has called us—and He doesn’t make mistakes.
Practical Step: Write out your vision and calling, and place it somewhere visible. Remind yourself daily that God has called you to this purpose, and He will equip you with everything you need to fulfill it.
Final Thoughts: Walking in Faith, Not Fear
Overcoming imposter syndrome isn’t a one-time victory; it’s a journey of consistently trusting in God’s strength rather than our own. As you step into new roles, responsibilities, or business ventures, remember that God has placed you there for a reason. Embrace the truth of your identity in Christ, rely on His strength, and watch as He uses you to fulfill His purposes.
With faith in Him, imposter syndrome can’t hold you back. You’re not just “good enough”—you are God-called and God-equipped. Step forward in confidence, knowing that God goes before you and that His purpose will be accomplished through you.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
I come before You in the name of Jesus, standing on Your promises of peace and victory. I thank You that You are my refuge and my strength, a very present help in times of trouble. Your Word tells me that You have not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. So right now, in the authority of Jesus’ name, I rebuke and cast out every spirit of fear and anxiety that seeks to disrupt my peace and cloud my mind.
Lord, I surrender all my worries and burdens to You, knowing that You care for me. I release every anxious thought, every fear about the future, every doubt, and every insecurity, laying them at Your feet. Fill me instead with Your perfect peace, the peace that surpasses all understanding and guards my heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
Holy Spirit, I invite You to renew my thoughts and fortify my heart with faith and courage. Remind me of Your promises that You will never leave me nor forsake me. Strengthen me to walk in boldness, knowing that I am protected under the shadow of Your wings and that no weapon formed against me shall prosper.
Thank You, Lord, for being my Deliverer and my Defender. In faith, I declare that fear has no power over me because You are with me. I trust in You, and I praise You for the victory over every fear and anxious thought.
“Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor.” ~Ezekiel 28:17. The sin that corrupted Lucifer was self-generated pride. He became so impressed with his own beauty, intelligence, power, and position that he began to desire for himself the honor and glory that belonged to God alone, and thus he was cast out of heaven. ~Ezekiel 28:18.
As Christians, we are called to walk in humility, following the example of Jesus Christ. However, as we pursue a life of faith, we may unknowingly face a dangerous pitfall along the way: spiritual pride. Spiritual pride can be difficult to recognize because it often masquerades as a sense of religious conviction or spiritual accomplishment. This form of pride can harm our relationship with God and others, drawing us away from the humility Christ taught. Understanding what spiritual pride is, how it manifests, and how to guard against it can help us live a faith that is truly centered on God’s grace.
What Is Spiritual Pride?
Spiritual pride occurs when a believer begins to take undue pride in their own righteousness, knowledge, or “spiritual achievements.” It can start subtly, creeping in as we grow in our faith, gain biblical knowledge, or feel closer to God. Rather than focusing on God’s grace, we may start to view ourselves as more “holy” or “enlightened” than those around us. While growth in faith is a wonderful thing, the danger of spiritual pride lies in shifting our focus from God to ourselves.
Biblical Warnings About Spiritual Pride
The Bible provides numerous examples of spiritual pride, often contrasting it with humility. Here are some key passages that warn us about the dangers of pride, especially when it enters our spiritual lives:
1. The Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14)
Jesus tells the parable of a Pharisee and a tax collector who went to the temple to pray. The Pharisee’s prayer was filled with self-righteousness, thanking God that he was “not like other men.” The tax collector, on the other hand, humbly asked for mercy. Jesus declared that the tax collector, not the Pharisee, went home justified before God. This parable reminds us that God values humility over pride, especially pride based on religious actions.
2. Pride Before a Fall (Proverbs 16:18)
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” When we allow pride to seep into our spiritual lives, it blinds us to our need for God’s grace, making us vulnerable to stumbling. This verse reminds us that humility is essential to walking in alignment with God’s will.
3. Paul’s Teaching on Grace (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Paul emphasizes that salvation is a gift from God, “not of works, lest any man should boast.” If we start to view our faith as something we’ve achieved, we risk boasting in ourselves rather than in the saving grace of Christ. Spiritual pride undermines the foundation of the Gospel, which is based on God’s grace, not our own merit.
Signs of Spiritual Pride in Our Lives
Spiritual pride can be hard to spot, especially since it often comes disguised as faithfulness or dedication. Here are a few signs that spiritual pride may be creeping into our lives:
1. Judgmental Attitude Toward Others
Spiritual pride often manifests as a judgmental attitude. We may find ourselves looking down on others who don’t seem as “mature” in their faith, questioning their sincerity or devotion. This judgment is rooted in pride, not in God’s love. Jesus reminded us not to judge others, as only He can see the heart (Matthew 7:1-5), however we are called to discern the spirit (1 John 4:1).
2. Desire for Recognition
Do we feel a need for others to see or acknowledge our spiritual efforts? Jesus warned against practicing our faith for the sake of appearance. He taught that when we give, pray, or fast, we should do so in secret, so that our reward is from God, not human praise (Matthew 6:1-6).
3. A Sense of “Arrival” in Our Faith
Spiritual pride can make us feel as though we’ve “arrived” at a place of deep understanding or holiness, diminishing our desire for further growth. This mindset blocks the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives, as it blinds us to our own weaknesses. The Christian life is a lifelong journey, and we should always approach it with a teachable spirit.
4. Isolation from Those “Less Mature”
When spiritual pride takes hold, we may avoid those we consider “less mature” in faith, seeing ourselves as above them. Yet Jesus spent time with sinners and outcasts, showing us that true spirituality is marked by compassion and connection, not separation.
Touching God’s Glory: A Warning Against Self-Centered Faith
In Christian teaching, God’s glory is central to everything we do. Isaiah 42:8 reminds us, “I am the LORD; that is my name; my glory I give to no other.” When we take credit for spiritual accomplishments or make faith about our own achievements, we are at risk of “touching” or taking credit for God’s glory. This often happens subtly as we grow in our spiritual lives, especially if we start to feel more “advanced” or “righteous” than others. This desire for recognition or approval, even in matters of faith, can lead us to take ownership of things only God has done.
Spiritual pride, when unchecked, tempts us to claim credit for the growth, insights, and transformations that are truly the work of the Holy Spirit in us. We may forget that any good we do, any understanding we have, and any growth we experience are ultimately God’s gifts to us, not our own achievements. Jesus taught in John 15:5, “Apart from me you can do nothing.” This truth reminds us that the power and goodness in our lives flow from God alone. To take credit for them not only misrepresents the truth but also diminishes our awe and gratitude toward God, who deserves all the glory.
Misplacing Credit: Recognizing the Holy Spirit’s Role and Discernment Against Deception
As we grow in faith, it’s essential to recognize that every good work, every insight, and every blessing in our lives is ultimately from God through the power of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes, however, spiritual pride or a lack of discernment can lead us to give credit for these works elsewhere—perhaps to a revered saint, man of God or even our own strength—rather than acknowledging God’s hand in our lives. While people may honor and seek intercession from saints, Scripture is clear that the power to transform lives, perform miracles, and guide us into truth belongs to the Holy Spirit alone and there is only one intercessor between God and men, Jesus Christ (John 14:26, Acts 1:8, 1 Timothy 2:5). Misplacing this credit, however well-intentioned, can obscure our reliance on God and His truth.
Moreover, the Bible warns us about the enemy’s tactics to deceive through counterfeit signs and miracles. Jesus cautioned in Matthew 24:24 that false prophets and false signs could lead people astray, even those in the faith. Satan’s deceptive works are meant to distract us from the truth, enticing people to give honor where it doesn’t belong. Understanding this reminds us to remain vigilant and discerning, always comparing any spiritual experience to the truth of God’s Word.
When spiritual pride enters, it can make us more vulnerable to these deceptions, as we may become focused on external displays of faith rather than genuine reliance on God. By maintaining humility and giving credit to the Holy Spirit alone, we guard our hearts from both misplaced honor and deception.
How Spiritual Pride Affects Our Relationship with God and Others
Spiritual pride can be extremely damaging, both to our relationship with God and with our fellow believers. Here are some ways it impacts our walk with Christ:
• Weakening Our Dependence on God
Spiritual pride makes us rely more on our own efforts than on God’s grace. When we focus on our accomplishments or knowledge, we lose sight of our continual need for God’s mercy and guidance.
• Creating Barriers in Community
Pride can create walls between us and other believers. The body of Christ is meant to be unified, with each member supporting and learning from one another. Spiritual pride disrupts this unity by fostering a spirit of judgment or competition.
• Preventing Personal Growth
Pride stops us from seeing our own shortcomings. When we’re too focused on what we think we know or have achieved, we close ourselves off to the refining work of the Holy Spirit. True growth requires humility and an openness to God’s correction.
How to Guard Against Spiritual Pride
Guarding against spiritual pride requires a commitment to humility, self-reflection, and a reliance on God’s grace. Here are some practical steps to help us stay on track:
1. Pray for a Humble Heart
Scripture encourages us to “clothe ourselves with humility” (1 Peter 5:5). We can pray that God would reveal any areas of pride in our hearts and give us a humble spirit. Regularly seeking God’s help in maintaining humility keeps us aware of our dependence on Him.
2. Examine Our Motives
It’s essential to check our motives, especially in our acts of faith. Are we seeking to glorify God or to receive approval from others? Taking time for honest self-reflection keeps our hearts aligned with God’s purposes.
3. Focus on Serving Others
Jesus taught us that the greatest among us should be a servant (Matthew 23:11). When we focus on quietly serving others rather than elevating ourselves, we are reminded of Christ’s humility and love. Acts of selfless service without looking for honour can help dismantle pride.
4. Remember Our Need for Grace
Meditating on God’s grace keeps us grounded. Paul wrote, “What do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7). Everything we have, including our faith, is a gift from God. By regularly reflecting on our dependence on His grace, we maintain a spirit of gratitude and humility, remembering that our spiritual journey is not one of personal achievement but one of God’s generosity and love.
A Prayer for Humility and Freedom from Spiritual Pride
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with humble hearts, acknowledging that without Your grace, we are nothing. Lord, we confess that pride sometimes creeps into our hearts, leading us to rely on ourselves rather than on You. Help us to see ourselves honestly and to root out any spiritual pride that blinds us to our dependence on You.
Holy Spirit, fill us with a deeper sense of Your presence and Your work in our lives. Remind us that every good thing, every insight, and every blessing comes from You alone. Guard our hearts against deception and any temptation to give glory to anyone or anything other than You. May we recognize the subtle ways the enemy seeks to distract us and remember that true power and goodness come from You alone.
Jesus, teach us to walk in the humility You modeled. Help us to focus not on our own achievements or knowledge but on serving others and bringing glory to Your name. May our lives be a reflection of Your love and grace, shining light not on ourselves but on You, our Lord and Savior.
In Your name we pray Jesus, Amen.
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** Photo by Pixabay at Pexels / Intro by Ron Rhodes from Reasoning from the Scripture ministries
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…” – Acts 1:8
In the realm of spirituality, the Holy Spirit is central to the Christian faith. Jesus promised His followers that the Holy Spirit would come to empower, guide, and comfort them. However, alongside this divine presence, various counterfeits emerge, often masquerading as spiritual guides. This article explores these counterfeits through the teachings of Jesus, emphasizes the importance of discerning the authentic work of the Holy Spirit, and provides guidance on how to receive the Holy Spirit.
Understanding the Holy Spirit
Before diving into the counterfeits, it’s essential to grasp the significance of the Holy Spirit in the words of Jesus. In John 14:16-17, Jesus said, “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. You know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.”
Jesus’ promise indicates that the Holy Spirit is not just a passive force but an active presence in the lives of believers. He provides:
• Power: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
• Wisdom: In John 16:13, He reassures us, “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth.”
• Comfort: “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:18).
• Guidance: “The Spirit will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:26).
The Third Person of the Trinity
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Holy Trinity, which consists of God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. This divine relationship emphasizes the unique roles each person plays in the believer’s life. While the Father is the Creator and the Son is the Redeemer, the Holy Spirit is our Helper, Comforter, and Guide, actively working in the hearts of believers to bring about transformation, empowerment, and intimacy with God.
The Nature of Counterfeits
Counterfeits of the Holy Spirit can take many forms, appearing attractive and persuasive. They can lead individuals away from genuine experiences of God’s Spirit. Jesus warned about these deceptions in Matthew 7:15: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” Here are some common types of counterfeits:
1. Self-Exalted Leaders
Some individuals position themselves as spiritual authorities, demanding devotion and submission. Jesus cautioned against such leaders in Matthew 23:1-3: “Then Jesus said to the crowds and to His disciples, ‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice.’” Authentic spiritual leaders will always direct individuals to Christ rather than seeking power for themselves.
2. Philosophical and New Age Teachings
Many have turned to philosophies and New Age teachings that blur the lines between spirituality and self-help. Jesus emphasized the importance of truth in John 8:32: “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” True empowerment comes through the Holy Spirit, not through self-derived philosophies.
3. Oracles and Mediums
Throughout history, people claiming to have insights into the spiritual realm have attracted followers. Jesus warned against seeking guidance from such sources. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12, it is written, “There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead.”
4. Emotional Manipulation
Some religious gatherings may rely on emotional manipulation, creating an atmosphere that seeks to provoke spiritual experiences without the genuine work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus emphasized the importance of true worship in John 4:24: “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” Genuine encounters with the Holy Spirit produce lasting transformation.
How to Receive the Holy Spirit:
Receiving the Holy Spirit is a vital step for every believer. Jesus invites all who seek Him to experience this life-changing gift. Here’s how you can receive the Holy Spirit according to the teachings of Jesus and the Scriptures:
1. Be Saved: A Born-Again Christian
The first step to receiving the Holy Spirit is to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. In John 3:5, Jesus states, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” Being saved means acknowledging your need for Jesus, repenting of your sins, and accepting His grace and putting your faith in Him.
2. Ask with Faith
In Luke 11:13, Jesus assures us, “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” This verse emphasizes that receiving the Holy Spirit involves asking God in faith, believing that He desires to give you this gift.
3. Pray for the Holy Spirit
Here is a heartfelt prayer you can pray to God from your heart to receive the Holy Spirit:
Prayer
GraciousFather, I come before You in the name of Jesus. Thank You for the gift of salvation and for loving me so deeply. Today, I humbly ask for the precious gift of the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, You are welcome in my heart. Fill me with Your power and presence, From the crown of my head to the soles of my feet. I open my heart to receive all that You have for me. Transform my life and lead me in Your ways. In Jesus’ mighty name, I pray, amen.
4. Receive by Faith
After praying, it’s important to receive the Holy Spirit by faith, trusting that God has heard your prayer. In Acts 2:38-39, Peter proclaimed, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to Himself.”
5. Live in the Spirit
Once you have received the Holy Spirit, embrace your new life. Galatians 5:16 encourages us: “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Living in the Spirit involves daily reliance on God, prayer, and obedience to His word.
Recognizing the Authentic Spirit
To discern the genuine work of the Holy Spirit, believers must develop a close relationship with God through prayer, scripture, and community. Here are some ways to ensure one is attuned to the authentic voice of the Holy Spirit:
1. Scriptural Alignment
The Holy Spirit will never contradict the teachings of Scripture. Jesus affirmed this in Matthew 4:4: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Engaging regularly with the Bible helps believers understand God’s character and will.
2. Fruits of the Spirit
Evaluate spiritual experiences based on the fruits they produce. In Matthew 7:16-20, Jesus teaches, “You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? … Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.” True encounters with the Holy Spirit lead to love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
3. Community Confirmation
Engaging with a community of believers provides support and confirmation. Jesus emphasized the importance of community in Matthew 18:20: “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Spiritual experiences are often affirmed within a church body.
4. Prayer for Discernment
Believers should actively seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in their lives, asking for discernment to recognize true spiritual authority and protect themselves from counterfeits. In James 1:5, we are assured, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
Conclusion
In a world filled with spiritual counterfeits, the call to recognize and embrace the authentic work of the Holy Spirit is more critical than ever. Jesus reassures us in John 10:10: “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” By grounding ourselves in Scripture, nurturing our relationship with God, and fostering community, we can confidently navigate the spiritual landscape and receive the transformative power the Holy Spirit offers. Remember, the Holy Spirit is the key to living that abundant life in truth and power, guiding us away from the deceivers and into a deeper relationship with God.
“If we have a terrible angry heart, God would rather have us focus on being delivered from anger than to set ourselves to read the Bible an hour every day”
“It’s better to pursue humility, than to be a proud evangelist”
“In God’s eyes a pure hearted widow’s penny is worth more, than a proud Pharisee’s bag of money”
“We can joyfully live in the freedom knowing that God is not pressing all these things on us – always telling us “do more, do more, do more, not good enough, not good enough.” He wants us to spend our energy and our thoughts on obedience in the inward life.”
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1 Samuel 15:22 “Has the LORD as much 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”
SAUL
1 Samuel 15 explains why the first king of Israel (king Saul) lost his kingdom. God told him to defeat the Amalekites and “utterly destroy them and all they have” (v3). He didn’t do that. Instead, he defeated the Amalekites but spared their king, and spared many nice goods that they had with a plan to sacrifice them to the Lord. The worst part was, he thought that he was pleasing God by doing this! (v17). He must have felt so proud with an intention to sacrifice all those nice things to God. But then Samuel the prophet came along with a surprising rebuke – “obedience is better than sacrifice” (v22). We go on to read that this is when God decided to take away the kingdom from Saul.
A MISCONCEPTION OF WHAT IT IS TO PLEASE GOD
Like Saul, it’s possible that we can have a wrong concept of what’s pleasing to God and what isn’t. It’s possible that we are laboring in this Christian life to live for God in a way that isn’t the best and may even be disobedient altogether. In this Christian “race” we are running, we should be sure we are running toward the right goal. We should be much more focused on the goal of obeying God (inwardly from the heart), rather than sacrificing many things to Him (externally with many works).
EXAMPLES
Inward obedience is what God wants us to focus on. If we have a terribly angry heart, God would rather have us focus on being delivered from anger than to set ourselves to read the Bible an hour every day. How many Christians set themselves to be delivered from anger? I don’t know the number but I’m pretty sure it’s far less than the number who commit to reading the Bible daily! There’s no command from God to read the Bible daily, but Ephesians 4:30 tells us to put away all wrath. That’s an example of God desiring inward obedience over outward sacrifice.
If we have been living this Christian life for any period of time, chances are we’ve attempted to please God in many different ways like this. And we may have felt for a time that we were pleasing Him by doing many works. We may have felt very “productive” evangelizing and spreading the gospel, proving unbelievers wrong, tithing, serving five days a week in church, sticking to a prayer list… and many other external things. And not all these things are bad. Many of them are good. But what a pity if for so many years we’ve been most excited about those things and missed the thing that God wants us to focus on most; inward obedience of the heart – where we are progressing in the Christian life and our hearts are becoming more and more to be like Jesus’ heart. (1 John 3:3). “And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.”
It’s better to pursue humility, than to be a proud evangelist. It’s better to seek God for deliverance of a hateful heart toward some brothers and sisters in church than to serve them with a hidden bitterness. It’s better to give only a little money to the church, but be ‘rejoicing in the Lord always’ than to give a large bag of money every month, but at the same time have constant dissatisfaction with God and the Christian life.
DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN INWARD OBEDIENCE AND OUTER SACRIFICE
I’m not sure why I have so often in the past had a wrong conception of what really pleases God. The Bible makes it very clear that God is not focused on the external but the internal:
(Romans 14:17) “The kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.”
(1 Samuel 16:7) “God does not look on the outward appearance but on the heart.”
(Matthew 23:26) “First clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may become clean also.”
(Hosea 6:6) “I desire mercy, not sacrifice”
(1 Samuel 15:22) “To obey is better than sacrifice”
(Psalm 51:16-17) “For You do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it; You are not pleased with burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.”
I suppose that for myself it has been very easy to miss it, because in the past I have judged a successful Christian life by what looks ‘productive’ and the concrete results I could see. But as I am growing in the Lord and getting to know His heart, I am seeing more that what is admirable in His eyes is not what is admirable in the eyes of men (Isaiah 55:8-9). Men look at ‘results’ (sacrifice), but God looks on the heart (inward obedience).
Going back to the example of king Saul – if we read the chapter carefully we can see that the problems of his inward heart were the cause of his downfall:
(1 Samuel 15:17) Samuel said, “Is it not true, though you were little in your own eyes, you were made the head of the tribes of Israel
(1 Samuel 15:24) Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned; I have indeed transgressed the command of the LORD and your words, because I feared the people and listened to their voice.
Verse 17 makes it clear that king Saul once had humility (he once was little in his own eyes), but then lost it and became proud. Verse 24 makes it clear that he was a slave to the fear of men. His inward sins of the heart (pride, and the fear of men) were ultimately caused his downfall. No outward sacrifice could make up for this. He would have done much better to judge himself inwardly and work with God on that first, rather than focusing on doing so many things for God. And we would too.
FREEDOM FROM GUILT
A wonderful benefit I have gained from this truth which has brought much joy to my walk with the Lord is that since God is not as concerned about these outward things, that I don’t have to feel guilty if I am not able to keep them up as I’d like. I don’t have to condemn myself if I’ve missed my morning time in the Word, or if I forgot to pray for a brother or sister. What a joy to see that God is so easy on us! This freedom from guilt and condemnation in these areas helps me to focus with more joy on cleansing myself inwardly. Unlike Martha, we don’t have to feel like we have to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders so that we can be “productive” for the Lord (Luke 10:40-42). We can joyfully live in the freedom that God is not pressing all these things on us – always telling us “do more, do more, do more, not good enough, not good enough.” He wants us to spend our energy and our thoughts on obedience in the inward life.
To clarify – it’s not that we should be undisciplined in our devotional time with the Lord, or be unproductive for the Lord. But in His eyes, if we focus more on cleansing ourselves inwardly then we will actually be much more productive for Him! How is that possible? It’s possible because in God’s eyes a pure widow’s penny is worth much more than a proud Pharisee’s bag of money (Luke 21:1-4). Our small works done for God with the right heart are worth much more to Him than many works done with inward sins – wrong attitudes, pride and such things.
Do your best, but don’t compare yourself to anybody, and don’t see God as looking down on you with disappointment over these things if you fall short. Jesus came to “set the captives free.” (Luke 4:18) God meant to set us free from sin, but He also meant to set us free from guilt! Don’t forget to claim God’s promise of freedom from sin without also claiming freedom from guilt, or you may find the Christian life very burdensome and discouraging. Jesus said, “Come to me all you who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). If your walk with God is not restful, then you must be carrying some false weight which God does not want you to carry.
THE CHURCH GOAL
I am thankful that I have been blessed with many brothers and sisters who I believe have this same goal (of cleansing ourselves inwardly), who are in my church. It helps me to keep focused on this same goal. And I really didn’t get this goal until I was in fellowship with such people.
I’m not sure if our church family considers ourselves to have a list of ‘church verses’ which define us, but if we did, it would definitely contain Romans 8:29 – “For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son.”
The goal which we are aiming to run toward is cleansing ourselves inwardly so that we will be conformed to the image of Jesus. We believe that evangelism is good, and helping the poor is good, and serving the church is good, and giving money is good… But we are most excited about inward purity and obedience to God in our hearts. I believe this is what it means to focus on obedience rather than sacrifice. I encourage everyone to fellowship with the people who have a passion for this same goal, and not primarily on external things which many churches these days can be occupied with.
The Sisterhood Hub 