Through Malachi, the Lord answers seven arguments from the people of Israel concerning their broken relationship with the Creator of the universe. For the next few weeks, we'll be considering those questions and their implication in our own lives:
In recent years "time theft," has become a more concrete prohibition within companies. Depending on the type of work, time theft can be anything from being on Facebook or enjoying a more extended break than your company allows. At the heart of the matter, time theft is giving the impression that you're working while not working. Ananias and Sapphira were struck dead for this type of sin (Acts 5:1-11).
In much the same way, the people of Israel were guilty of expecting all of the blessings that come from wholly devoting your life to God (including your resources), yet they neglected their responsibilities in tithes and offerings.
Monetarily, we rob God when we do not financially support the work of the church. However, on a much deeper level, we rob God when we do not devote our lives to God, yet presume to be welcomed through the Pearly Gates. How can we have the hubris to expect unimaginable blessings from our Lord, who has already sacrificed His own son's life, if we're not willing to speak openly and frequently about Jesus, or to enthusiastically support works of the church, or at the very least participate in every opportunity the church provides? Let us not rob God.
Let your light shine!
Next week: #7 - How have we spoken against you? (Malachi 3:14)
Previous post in this series:
7 ANSWERS | #1 - How have you loved us? (Malachi 1:2)
7 ANSWERS | #2 - How have we despised your name? (Malachi 1:6f)
7 ANSWERS | #3 – Why do you not accept our offering? (Malachi 2:14)