To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. Proverbs 21:3

This is perhaps a central theme woven throughout the Bible. In the Old Testament, God chastised Israel for meaningless sacrifices because their hearts weren’t in it. Jesus reiterated the point. Without the tenets of justice and righteousness, what good is sacrifice?

We do this today but in more subtle ways. Often we go through rituals and consider it sacrifice. We spend time and money on worthy activities but our hearts aren’t in it. In the end, it’s just another box that we check to go on with life.

So, then, what does it mean to do what is right and just in this world? Look around. There are many many opportunities to do what is right and just: helping the poor, helping the elderly, taking the time to learn about needs around you and doing something about them. Yes, there is an element of sacrifice involved in these activities, but more importantly there is the heart attitude that must be right.