Over Christmas, some people, between the festivities, go to church. Some even give gifts to the poor. It may only be once a year, but at least we are doing something good. Or, for others who are regular churchgoers, we might think, “At least I attend church every week”. But, whether it’s weekly or annually, we might wonder if God is pleased with what we’re doing. It’s a question the Jewish people asked God many years ago. “Should we continue to mourn and fast each summer…as we have done for so many years?” (Zechariah 7:3). And God’s reply is surprising. “When you fasted and mourned…was it really for me that you fasted? And when you were eating and drinking, were you not just feasting for yourselves? (Zechariah 7:5-6). It’s the same reply to us. Is our Christmas special effort, or our weekly church time, for God or ourselves? And then God tells us what he really wants. “This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: Judge fairly, and show mercy and kindness to one another. Do not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor. And do not scheme against each other.” (Zechariah 7:9-10). Is this how you live for God? Open Bible – http://bit.ly/Zec7v2-10
