Christian Living

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A WORTHY OFFERING

By Harry Hobbs

How often have we been told to always do our best? When we were growing up, this was instilled into us by teachers and parents. On the playing field, our coaches said: “Put your heart into it”.

Should we do anything less for God? In the first chapter of the Book of Malachi, the writer compares what we offer to sacrificing an animal. We know that we have a fantastic steer in our barn. We prize it. Shall we offer that one to God? “Hmm,” we think, “that steer will have absolutely scrumptious steaks and mouth watering roasts. Why we can get enough tender cuts to last three months” So instead we offer God an old heifer that is tough and sinewy. The one that doesn’t have enough good meat to even make beef jerky. We sacrifice that crippled and decrepit beast to God saying: “He won’t know the difference.”

But God does know what stock is in our barn, just like He knows the unique talents He has given each one of us.

We must do the work for God that requires a physical presence. We can do errands for sick or shut in friends or relations, offer a hug to a lonely person or someone who has suffered a loss. Or we can just be there to listen and offer sympathetic support. God has put his best workmanship into us. We are infused with talents to write, or to paint, or to make beautiful music.

The writer of the Book of Malachi reminds us that God is an exacting master. He expects repayment for all the good things He has given us. Our offering is not to be a lame sacrifice. God has outpoured His best on us. In return we are expected to take that and share it with those around us. Wrap them in the same arms of love He has extended to us.

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