I must ever be watchful of the quality of service I render God. The priests of Malachi’s day were content to lay stale, moldy bread on the altar of God (Malachi 1:7). I must remember that as the sacrifice is, so is my heart. I must never afford God the privilege of the “second best.” It is always easy to judge my service to God by asking: Is it more or less than what I would do for myself?
To be an exemplary servant I must emulate Paul’s attitude: “I do not seek what is yours, but you” (2 Corinthians 12:14). The moment I let my eye waver from the man to his possessions, I am in danger of choosing second best. Gehazi’s action warns – and frightens – me here. He loved Naaman’s possessions more than Naaman himself (2 Kings 5:20-27).
Is my love to God a “firstfruits”? Is it an offering of the “firstborn”? The famous sermon of Dr. Charles Koller, former president of Northern Baptist Seminary, entitled “Slightly Soiled, Greatly Reduced in Price,” is sensible advice for the retailer in business, but it should never characterize my service to Jesus Christ. Yet how often have I dealt with God in second-rate goods! That will earn me the title “contemptible” (Malachi 2:9, KJV).
I must learn that the condition of whatever I offer God is indicative of how much I value him. Is He moldy and sickly to me? If so, that is how I will return His service. I am encouraged by God’s word to Abraham: “You… have not withheld you son, your only son [from Me]” (Genesis 22:16). God wants from me an offering that by its nature shows Him how much I love Him. If He is my all in all, then I will put no price on my offerings, as He did not when He gave His Son for me and, in doing so, showed me the best sacrifice forever.
“Teach me Thy way, O Lord; I will walk in Thy truth; unite my heart to fear Thy name. I will give thanks to Thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and will glorify Thy name forever” (Psalm 86:11-12).
Daily with the King 