Deuteronomy 26:16
“This day the LORD your God commands you to do these statutes and ordinances. You shall therefore be careful to do them with all your heart and with all your soul.”
As a young christian, the phrases “all your heart” and “all your soul” would make me feel guilty. Mainly because I wasn’t sure if I was giving my all. If I were, then I would be doing more for Him and others. I would volunteer for things out of guilt, I would share Christ out of guilt.
I began to experience glimmers of hope by particular scriptures. 2 Corinthians 9:7 was one, “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.” I was giving out of compulsion, not out of desire. I began to check my heart when faced with giving my time. I was way off. I didn’t want to do much of my service. Not that I wouldn’t have originally, but my sense of “have to” turned it into drudgery.
How are we to interpret the “all my heart” passages. It means we are to be willing. Here’s the idea. “Lord, if You want me to do that, then I am willing. Equip me.” He will put the “want to” in our hearts. The man in Mark 9:24 was helpful. ‘Immediately the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe; help my unbelief!”’ God will help us.
God’s ways are filled with joy and peace. If He’s involved, those are present. The aftermath will be excitement. I would be afraid to ask Him to use me. It would be more that I didn’t want to do. I didn’t understand Him. It’s more of a privilege. Lord, please use me.
Lord, thanks for Your grace and mercy. We don’t need to fear You. Help us to serve You with all our hearts and all our souls.