The New Bereans

“When you offer blind animals in sacrifice, is that not evil? And when you offer those that are lame or sick, is that not evil? Present that to your governor; will he accept you or show you favor? says the Lord of hosts. Malachi 1:8

As believers we are called to give our best to God, but do we? Or like the priests in Malachi’s day, do we give God only what we don’t want. They were sacrificing blind and lame animals to God and taking the best for themselves. We no longer offer animal sacrifices but we are told to present our bodies as living sacrifices to God.1 Do we give God our best, or do we give him the rest? How do we spend our time? Everyone knows about tithing our money, do we tithe our time?  Do we spend 10% of our day (2.4 hours) Seeking God, studying the scriptures, or evangelizing? If not we should consider our ways.

We are told to love God with all our mind2, how much of our mind is occupied in studying theology, wrestling through scriptural truth, and memorizing scriptures?  Men, if you can remember all the stats of your favorite athletes, but can’t clearly explain the gospel, you should be ashamed.  Women, if you know all about Oprah, but don’t have a clue about Orpha, you are investing your time foolishly.  I will set no wicked thing before my eyes 3 declares the psalmist, do we watch wicked things?  If so Christ warns that our whole body will be full of darkness.4 Paul the apostle declares you are not your own, for you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.5

If we are his disciples we must put him first, give him our best, and seek first his kingdom.

1. Romans 12:1

2. Matthew 22:37

3. Psalm 101:3

4. Matthew 6:23

5. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20