09 May 2005 Devotion for Today “Those Who Do…Those Who Don’t” Malachi 3:16-18
Have you ever come in contact with someone who says that they went to church for a long time, got involved in the programs of the church, made a decision for Jesus Christ, but through a period of years they have come to believe that it didn’t do much for them, so they no longer attend church or any spiritual activities. Some probably will not say that out loud but this is a prevailing attitude among some people. God helps those who help themselves, and God didn’t do much for me. As a matter of fact my life was more difficult when I was serving God, so who needs God, the church, Christianity? It is a burden. What is the use? I have been guilty in my heart of saying at times, "What good does it do to preach the Word? I mean look at the lives of the people! No change, no difference. Still the very reasons I gave myself for not preaching the Word are the same reasons that I need to preach the Word of God!
Skeptics argue, "What are we getting out of it?" The skeptics are serving God as a mere duty and when it becomes too troublesome they abandon God. These people argue that God was obligated to pay them something in return for them showing up and going through the motions. Their expectations were not met so they questioned God’s pay off. Their conclusion was "We’re no better off!"
Are we serving out of duty or out of love? If out of duty, if no tangible results, then we abandon God. H.B. London says "Lord, I need You to help me to see satisfactions in service, to enjoy partnership with You, to delight in studying, seeking, and speaking for You; and rescue me from the prison of merely doing my duty. Amen."
This shows great insight. This is not just a problem with them; it can also be a problem with us. Our attitude can be this way sometimes. Look at my neighbors, look at my co-workers, look at the people on TV, they don’t go to church nor have any faith, they are godless and look they are better off. They are happy go lucky and they make more money and are rewarded for their immorality. We Christians probably have not said this but we have thought it from time to time.
However, when we do all that we believe that a Christian should and it is clear that we are not better off in this world than others, we have less money, less prestige, less power, low social standing, this is the point where many lose their motivation and maybe even lose their faith.
Malachi 3:16Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, And the LORD listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him
For those who fear the LORD And who meditate on His name. 17"They shall be Mine," says the LORD of hosts, "On the day that I make them My jewels.And I will spare them
As a man spares his own son who serves him." 18Then you shall again discern Between the righteous and the wicked, Between one who serves God And one who does not serve Him.”
Some people are serving God not to glorify Him, but for their own selfish interests and personal advantage. When their selfish interest and personal advantage are not met to their satisfaction, then they no longer serve God. The prophet Malachi had the same concerns for the affluent society he found in his day. After the return of the exiles, the Israelites rebuilt their shattered country and God blessed it abundantly. People thrived. But the more they thrived, the less they thought about the same Lord who blessed them. It is no different in our nation today. People showed up at the
Yet there were a faithful remnant- the same faithful remnant that lives today. Lovers of God with all their heart, soul and mind who demonstrate not just with their lips, but with their lives that it is still worth it all to follow Christ. Perhaps we do not see the results now, but we will one day. That is the promise of God who has never yet backed out on any of His promises. The dividends will be reaped in everlasting life.
Have a blessed day!
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