Seek God, not His Gifts.
We could spend every waking hour laboring to create the appearance of knowing God—feeding the hungry, giving generously to the poor, praying fervently for the sick, and performing countless acts of charity. Yet, all these efforts crumble into futility if we do not truly know God Himself. If our actions stem from a desire to extract blessings, favors, or rewards from Him, we’ve missed the mark entirely, chasing a transactional faith rather than a transformative relationship. Our true labor should not be for what God can give us, but for the privilege of knowing Him intimately—working to commune with Him, to dwell in His presence, and to deepen our fellowship with the One who is the source of all life and love.
To know God requires more than outward deeds; it demands a posture of the heart. We must come before Him in submission, laying down our pride and pretense, embracing honesty and humility. It calls us to worship Him with awe, to lift our voices in praise, to pour out our gratitude in thanksgiving, and to seek Him relentlessly—not for His gifts, but for His very being. If your heart longs for God’s rewards, the path is not to chase after them directly. Instead, pursue His presence with all your strength; seek the radiance of His glorious face. One fleeting glimpse into His eyes will captivate you, leaving you utterly mesmerized, and it will satisfy your soul far beyond what any human effort or earthly achievement could ever hope to accomplish. His presence is a treasure that surpasses all rewards, a wellspring of joy and peace that no man-made work can rival.
Yes, as we journey with God, we are called to pray for the sick, to uplift the broken, and to extend compassion to the poor—these are beautiful and necessary expressions of His love. But they must flow from a deeper source: a heart that has met God in the secret place, that sacred inner sanctuary where His Spirit intertwines with our spirit and soul. These acts of service should not be mere duties or displays; they should be the natural outpouring of a life transformed by intimacy with Him. When we give to the poor, it should reflect the generosity He has poured into us. When we pray for the sick, it should echo the healing power He has revealed in our quiet moments with Him. To know God is to become a vessel of His Spirit, and from that knowing, His love, grace, and power spill over into the world—not as a means to earn His favor, but as a response to the overwhelming beauty of who He is.