Do you know, or know of, people whose ultimate goal is money? They take the concept of the almighty dollar seriously, and typically acquire much more money than the average person. But it is never enough. It seems that getting more causes their goal to advance even further, so they don’t make progress toward satisfaction. I placed in you a desire to seek the infinite and transcendent. It is a mistake to apply this quest to infinite money, because this is an unreal goal, but the longing still exists. I teach you to be content with your material things, and apply your desire for the infinite to things above, that your treasure may be in heaven.  

Do you see the need to earn a living as being a consequence of the fall? Does this give you a negative view of work as an unpleasant necessity? This would be a dismal perspective on something that requires so much of your life. There were those employed as servants in my time who had no control over the  terms of their employment. My word instructed them to seek freedom if they had the opportunity, otherwise to view their positions as serving me. You don’t have to be an involuntary servant to hold this perspective. Be glad if you have voluntary employment, and look at your job as sacred service for me. 

Do you lament that the people to whom you present the gospel message do not respond? Do not be discouraged. Multiple exposure is more often necessary than not. In addition, life has a way of catching up with people. Over time, false ideals and ways of living will be challenged by real life. Nature sides with eternal truth. Some people have to go their own way until it is obvious that it isn’t working. Be patient. You are called to plant and water. When the time is right there will be an open door and I will bring to their remembrance the message you gave them and the seeds you planted will grow. 

My word set forth religious practices including sacrifices in the Old Testament. But even there I made it clear that to obey was better than sacrifice. Sacrifices may be very costly, but they can still be a calculated expense that leaves you in control. To obey is an acknowledgment that you are not in control; that there is a higher authority over you. This makes obedience the ultimate sacrifice. It is a matter of surrender. This is superior to all religious rituals, and it is what I ask of you. You speak of my love as unconditional and you are right. Let your surrender to me be unconditional as well.