There is a selfish motive even in making offerings to the deity. Something small is offered expecting a big return from the deity. A man prays to the Lord: “Oh Lord! If I win ten lakhs of rupees in a lottery I shall offer ten thousand rupees to you.” What kind of bargain is this? It is a pity that such silly ideas are rampant today. The reason is that people have forgotten the secret of the Vedas. They offer a molehill and crave for a mountain. This is a complete caricature of devotion. Such pseudo-devotees are on the rise today. They are seeking to enter into petty deals with the Divine, all the time. Every prayer, every sadhana is replete with selfishness and self-interest. Everyone seeks benefits, but is not prepared to make any sacrifice. What is the sacrifice that is to be made to God? First of all, your bad qualities. Acquire good qualities. Shed your narrow outlook. Cultivate a broad vision. Today the foremost need is to develop the spirit of sacrifice. You are not expected to give away all your wealth and possessions. What is required is a sense of compassion at the sight of a suffering being. When the heart melts, that itself becomes a sacrifice. You will not carry your wealth with you when you leave the world. Even while life remains, render help to those in need, as much as you can. – Divine Discourse, Oct 03, 1989.