1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Do you know the sound of your own voice within you mind? When those thoughts are yours you know it. Then there are those thoughts which you are not so sure about. The fact that we hear them gives us pause to examine them. Not that we believe them, nor where they came from, but they are still an echo in your mind. So if those thoughts are not your thoughts, who do they belong to and what is the significance?

John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

Search the scriptures for significance. Be diligent to seek the word of the Lord. If it is of God you will find documented evidence. The scripture will reveal the author. If it is of God then find relevance. If it is not of God, then praise God, declare the name of Jesus and quiet the voice.

John 10:4-5 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

Luke 7:38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.

Much has been taught about the cost of the ointment. It is taught in sermons on sacrifice of service. While I understand the point being made I cannot help but look to the tears. She obviously felt deeply for Christ, her love was applauded by Jesus Himself a few verses later.

Why is service so often linked to sacrifice? We give of our time, talents and money in service. Why is it important for some to look at it as sacrifice? In my heart I do not believe this woman gave one thought of the cost of the ointment as she wept for Jesus. In my heart I feel that He was the total focus of her affection, nothing else mattered.

We serve because there is a need. We serve because there is an opportunity. We serve because no one else has stepped up. When we do, do we call it sacrifice? Should we think of service in this way, or should we look to our hearts and examine the true motive.

I do not know much of any other religion. In what little I have heard, I cannot remember any of those followers ever mentioning the one thing Jesus said to us.

“If you love me….”