In Proverbs, chapter twenty-one, verse three, “To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.” God desires His people to be righteous and just, rather than merely involved in religious activities. Worship and offerings are unacceptable to Him if we are not living righteously, as in Hosea six, verse six, Micah six, verses seven through eight, Romans twelve, verses one to two, and Hebrews ten, verses five through nine, respectively. Gifts offered to God should accompany holy living; otherwise, they are detestable to Him, as in verse twenty-seven of the chapter theme. “The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?”
What God wants from His people is mercy. A steadfast and royal love that responded to His love; He also wanted a personal acknowledgment of Him as Lord of their lives. God wants the same from us. How would you like it if your spouse brought a gift to you, knowing that they have been unfaithful to you? The moment would be bittersweet. The gift is great, but the giver is not.
Believers must be just, fair, and honest in their dealings with others. We must show genuine compassion and mercy to individuals in need. The people of God must walk humbly before Him in fear and reverence for His will. Our greatest desire should be to live lives of holy worship and devotion to God, which requires separating ourselves from the pattern of this world and pursuing God in holy passion and focus. There is a very real pressure to conform to the current world system and mold on many different levels.
To be accepted by the Lord is not to receive what the world is trying to offer: The carnal, ungodly way of life.