Obedience Is Better Than Sacrifice

“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Malachi 3:10.

In a world full of greed, excess, and materialism, it is not uncommon to hear about multi-million dollar salaries, bonuses, and contracts. Many athletes, movie stars, and corporate executives receive more money than any individual should ever need – usually at the expense of ordinary citizens. The tragic thing is that much of the money is often spent on frivolous items that merely add to the list of the owner’s possessions. All the while people are going hungry, sleeping in the alleys living in substandard housing, and doing without basic necessities – oftentimes right around corners from those who seem to have it all.  Currently, as we speak there is a massive immigrant problem impacting Europe. Amazingly, the answer to this dilemma is quite simple. It is the acceptance of the answer that is so difficult.

The answer of course is the Lord Jesus Christ. If people were truly living for the Lord, they would be obeying Him, and giving back to Him what is due, what is rightfully His. If all professed believers were doing this, the world would be a much better place. God’s church would be able to reach the world for Christ and help meet people’s needs. Tragically many believers fail to obey God in this area. Such was the case in Malachi’s day. The Lord charge us with being disobedient to His word. They were disobeying God’s Holy Word, His clear instructions to them. They were robbing God by not giving Him sufficient tithes and offerings. The people were also blaspheming and rebelling against the Lord. In particular, they were questioning the value of serving Him and calling the wicked blessed. Because of these very serious sins, the Lord continued His indictment against the people and challenged them to repent.

The Lord’s appeal to His people was to return to Him, to repent. He told them to return to Him and He would return to them. More moving words can seldom be heard. This was a personal and tender invitation from the Lord to His chosen people. If the people would return to the Lord and repent, they would inevitably forsake their sins. As a consequence, the Lord would return to them. He would resume His full protection, provision, and blessings.

God’s people refusing to tithe is really an act of disobedience, and you cannot compensate by sacrifice what you lose through disobedience. That’s why obedience is better than sacrifice.  Remember a ton of prayer will never produce what an ounce of obedience will. Want to have God’s favor – Obey Him. “People Matter”