In this season it can be easy to get caught up in the volume of gifts or in spending a lot of time and energy trying to find just the right gift. Yet for many the gift they most desire is one that is free and that is always available: time.
Our relationship with God can be similar. We can get so busy doing things for God and we come to think that our works are what matter to God. It’s easy to get caught up in what we do FOR God instead of focusing in on who we are TO God. Maybe in Advent it is even easier to get caught up in this game because Christmas can be about giving.
Adding to the mix is the fact that when we do or accomplish things for God, it can make us feel important or special. We must be careful here. God cares about who we are much more than about what we do. Our relationship to God is what matters most. From this relationship, the ‘doing’ naturally flows. When asked, Jesus listed loving God first. He knew the right order. If we first love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, then loving others naturally follows.
Scripture reference: 2 Samuel 7: 1-7
