Malachi 1&2 -- Giving God A White Elephant

It can become so easy to just be going through the motions on just about anything.  For instance, the four months of unbearably hot weather here have caused even the most workaholic people I know to stay indoors more, leaving tasks undone and to-do lists getting longer.  A why-fight-it mentality seems to be setting in.  Tired of waiting for a break in the weather, many people seem to have just given up on yardwork, stating that it just isn’t worth it anymore.

That seems to be what was happening in Malachi 1-2 and God begins to question them to move them off high center.  But amazingly, the people’s responses are disrespectful and contentious!

“I have loved you.”  “How have You loved us?”

“Why don’t you honor Me?  Why don’t you respect Me?”  “How have we shown You disrespect?”

God lets them know that He’s watched their selection process as they determined which animals to bring as sacrifices.  Rather than choosing their best animals for Him, they were bringing “blemished odds & ends”, my commentary said.  Almost the way we pick out a white elephant gift to take to a party – “What can I get rid of that I really don’t like anyway?”

The people had actually become weary of serving God.  God had heard them say, “We’re tired of doing this.”  Their passion was gone and they were tired of waiting for Messiah.  As a result, they’d lost respect for God.

A what’s-the-use mentality is hard to overcome, and it seems vitally important that we catch it in the early stages and make changes before we lose our passion. As the heat continues her, I’ve tried t force myself to work outside on projects – most recently on a class float for Homecoming. Surprisingly, I’ve found that 102 is “the new cool”, 107 is bearable, and 113 is a hot day.

In spiritual matters, we can ask God for strength to avoid burnout and to provide us with His perspective on things.  Rather than deciding that we need a break, we can, through the Holy Spirit, be given sort of a spiritual booster shot to kick start our service to God and our desire to love Him back and respect Him when it all starts to wane.

Father, please prevent me from getting spiritual weariness.  Don’t let me fall into the trap of malaise by giving up even one day on knowing that You love me and desire Your best for me.  If You don’t quit, then I shouldn’t either.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford