Everyday 1: What Does God Want?

God desires a loyal relationship with His people, not merely outward religious practices. This fundamental truth is powerfully stated in Deuteronomy 6:4-5: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might." This passage, known as the Shema, calls for an undivided, whole-person devotion to the one true God, emphasizing that allegiance to Him should encompass every aspect of your being.
This concept of devoted relationship is consistently woven throughout Scripture. Jesus further clarifies this in John 17:3, declaring, "This is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." Eternal life is presented as knowing God intimately through His Son, Jesus Christ, highlighting that the ultimate goal is a deep, personal connection, not a list of accomplishments. The Apostle Paul reinforces this in Ephesians 2:8-10, stating, "By grace you have been saved through faith... not a result of works... created in Christ Jesus for good works." This teaches that salvation comes from God's unmerited favor received through faith, not by human effort or performance. While works do not earn salvation, they are the natural outflow and evidence of a heart transformed by grace, serving as the intended fruit of a loyal connection with God.
Therefore, your relationship with God is not about earning His favor through religious performance or perfect adherence to rules. Instead, it is about responding to His singular identity and His grace with wholehearted devotion and loyalty. Good works are not the payment for your place in God's family, but rather the genuine expression of love and gratitude from a heart that has already received His boundless grace and entered into a personal relationship with Him through Christ.