Wow! Those are some pretty strong words from God here! Cursed is the cheat! People must have been having this problem when Malachi wrote this letter. They must have been falling prey to the temptation to say they were going to give to the Lord, say they were going to support his work, say they were behind it lock-stock-and-barrel. But when push came to shove something else took a higher priority. Something else took God's place. At first glance we might sit in our easy chair, or comfy office chair, and begin shaking our finger at those horrible Israelites. How could they live like that? How could they cheat God? How could they have an acceptable gift and then turn around and give something less desirable? That's just not right! You know what...you're right! It's detestable to do this. Not because God needs the gift or anything but because God wants the heart of the giver.
You see that's what God is so upset about here. I'm pretty sure he could care less about the animal itself. I'm pretty sure the size of the animal isn't what really got him all upset. From what I've read about God in the rest of the Bible, it seems that he's probably more interested in the heart, attitude, mind of the giver than the gift itself. And the scary part is - these Israelites are not alone! They are not the only ones who cheat God out of what is promised him. They are not the only ones who say one thing and do something totally different. They're not the only ones who replace God with some other worthless idol. We all do it! Each and every one of us has done this at some point.
I'm convinced that this problem of replacing God with some idol is the reason that churches are in decline in America. It's the reason that churches are suffering the way they are today - because we've lost focus! We've turned to our own idols. We've taken our eyes off of Christ and focused more on budgets, buildings, and butts in seats - than on the love, forgiveness, and salvation given freely in Christ. I'm a firm believer that all of Scripture has its fulfillment in Christ, so with that said - there is no law about our giving - just that we give to God first! We give God ourselves - all of our time, all of our finances, all of our abilities should be used to give God glory. Not just a small portion. Not just a little piece. Not just when it's convenient. God wants you! Your heart! Your passion! Your gifts!
Today take a moment to thank God for blessing you. Pray about what he would have you set apart for his work. Then set it aside. Whatever it is, set it aside first and then give it to him. Let him do with it what he will do. It's time that the church put God back in charge. Set God back in the driver seat - not the latest program or the newest thing - but GOD! It's his church - why not look to him to lead it, guide it, direct it, and provide for it through us.
Lord - use your word to shape us. Shape us into the people that you would have us be. Never let us settle for second place. Never let us be content with the status quo . Never let us stop until you call us home. We are part of your church. We ask you today to take the driver seat of your church again. Wake the sleeping giant of your church. Forgive our cheating lifestyles and restore us to your generous people once again. In Christ we pray! AMEN.
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