Satisfied with the Leftovers (from a Different Perspective)

Last Monday, I wrote about the woman who expressed to Jesus that she would be satisfied with any “crumbs” that He might allow her to have. At that time, I suggested that her attitude was one which would be pleasing to our Lord. It would demonstrate humility on our part and would result in a very grateful attitude for what He has done, and continues to do, for us.

However, there is another way to look at this concept of being satisfied with the leftovers. The difference is perspective. It is about who is–or is not–being satisfied.

God never has been, is not now, and will never be satisfied with the leftovers.

You may remember that, on one occasion, our Lord was asked, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law? Hopefully, you also remember His answer: “…You shall love the Lord your God will all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.  This is the first and great commandment (Matt. 22:36-37).

It seems to me that, if I love God with all my being, there does not appear to be any justification for giving Him the leftovers of my affection, my time, my energy, my money…my all. It has been said by many (because it is true) that God will accept no position other than first place in our lives.

This principle is clearly seen in the Old Testament as God’s people were instructed to bring only the very best to offer as a sacrifice to Him. It carries over into the New Testament wherein we read these words:

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Romans 12:1-2, NKJV).

One of the songs we sometimes sing has a title that is repeated four times in the song itself — Give of Your Best to the Master.

That’s very sound advice, because He will accept no less.

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Photo background credit: Chris Waits on Creative Commons