It’s a fair question.
Some may be more concerned about finding the right answer than others. Some may be searching for the answer without really knowing it, because their internal need to search for the answer is obfuscated by what they feel is merely an outward need to scratch an itch or satisfy a desire or longing. Some may not care at all.
Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum, most responses to the question “What does God Want?” probably fall somewhere under two relatively common answers.
“Hard work.”
You may call it the Golden Rule. You may not have a name for it all. But it is the most common standard by which people live, and an assumption by which people figure God will be pleased – even those who don’t openly profess to believe in God. “If there’s some higher being,” the thought goes, “surely he will be satisfied with those trying their hardest to do the right thing and treat others the right way.” Since no one is perfect, God will certainly settle for those who at least make a concerted effort in that direction. That’s one line of thinking.
What does God want?
“Holy work.”
This is the response that typically comes from religious folks, those “in the know.” While the non-believing world doesn’t know any better than to serve self and look out for number one, believers “know” better. They “know” God is looking for obedience, service, loving others, faith in action, etc. They’re right… kind of. But they’re potentially worse off than the non-believer if they are content to put the cart before the proverbial horse, the way the Pharisees in Jesus’ day did. Let me explain. See there IS something that God wants.
It isn’t your hard work.
It isn’t your holy work.
It IS your heart.
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).
Sounds simple enough, right? Until we take a real, honest look at what our heart truly reveals.
“This is the evil in everything that happens under the sun: The same destiny overtakes all. The hearts of people, moreover, are full of evil and there is madness in their hearts while they live, and afterward they join the dead” (Ecclesiastes 9:3).
Not a pretty picture.
“Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds” (Revelation 2:23).
Tell me, when you consider what you can keep hidden from others – but not from Jesus – deep down inside your heart, do Jesus’ words fill you with peace, or… something else?
But here is the good news:
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 36:26).
All God wants is your heart. And, since yours is no good on its own, he offers you his as the perfect replacement through Jesus. Now then, will you, through faith in Jesus, give it back to him? That’s all he wants. Everything else will follow.