Scripture Reading: Hosea 6:6
For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings

Reflections: The burnt offering, one of the sacrifices in the Old Testament, involved completely burning the animal overnight. Its purpose was to seek forgiveness for sins and the demonstration of devotion to God. Over time, the people lost sight of the significance of the sacrifices and began to execute them merely to satisfy legal requirements. God condemned this approach and declared through the prophet Hosea that solely adhering to sacrificial rituals was insufficient evidence of walking in His knowledge and displaying His love. This is also true of our current walk as New Testament Christians. No matter how frequently we give offerings and tithes, they are futile if our character does not conform to the standards of God’s Word. The true validation of your status as a child of God is your Christlike character, not your ability to give at church. We must seek to know God and allow this knowledge to shape our character.

Prayer: Oh Lord, help me to apply my knowledge of you to my character development.

Confession: I allow my knowledge of God to shape my character.