Read

Malachi 1:6-8 "A son honors his father, and a servant his master. ‘If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear?’ says the Lord of hosts. ‘O priests, who despise my name, you say, How have we despised your name? By offering polluted food upon my altar.’"

Think

Visualize this scenario: You're hosting a dinner for your boss, someone you want to impress. Would you consider serving him leftovers from previous meals? Would you throw something together from what you could find in the refrigerator? The very idea seems absurd. However, the prophet Malachi uses this analogy to emphasize a vital truth – often, we tend to offer God our leftover or second-rate sacrifices.

Are you giving God your best or just the leftovers? Do you make it a priority to use your gifts and abilities to serve him or do you just use them when you’re not too busy with everything else? Do you bring your tithe – the first 10 percent of what you earn – or do you drop in the offering plate whatever you have left over at the end of the month? Is weekend worship attendance a regular activity on your calendar or do you come to worship him on Sunday when you don’t have other things scheduled? This week, take some time to evaluate what you are offering to God. Let's honor God with our best efforts, not only in worship or tithing but also in our everyday actions and decisions.

Apply

What is an area where you are not bringing your best to God? Take a step this week to adjust your priorities.

Pray

Dear Father, help us to honor you by offering our best in everything we do. Thank you for always giving your best to us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.