Requirements

It’s easy to complicate faith…to pile on expectations that God never asked of us…to make it about checking boxes and striving to be “good” rather than simply submitting and then acting with a heart that’s been transformed by the Lord.

Thankfully, His Word gives us a simple, clear list of what God actually requires:

“Requirements”

We get wrapped up in what to do,
We’re trying to make ourselves new,
We’re working hard to earn God’s grace,
When He’s told us, it’s not our place.

We cannot earn what’s not deserved,
Or through our works, our spot reserve,
The Lord instead looks at our hearts,
And that’s where we each need to start.

It’s not the rules, but attitude,
A heart that’s filled with gratitude,
An openness from me and you,
To do what God tells us to do.

The rules are really quite simple,
To love the Lord and be faithful,
Be fair, be just, be merciful,
With willing heart, be purposeful.

Our purpose is to serve the Lord,
Walk in His way, and step forward
With heart aligned to do what’s right,
Just trust in Him, follow His light.

***

Being a person of faith isn’t complicated or rigid or burdensome.

But there are expectations.

In faith we submit, we obey, we worship, we serve, and we share…humbly, lovingly and gratefully.

It’s not constraining.

It’s freeing.

In that freedom, we discover what “joy of the Lord” truly means.

A joy that steadies us…strengthens us…and assures us we’re not walking alone.

What is acceptable to the Lord?

Do good based on His requirements.

In His love.

Stan