Are you giving God your best? We saw several instances in the Old Chapter where God rejected sacrifices or said they were being offered in vain. The first sacrifice we know of that was rejected was Cain’s sacrifice in Genesis chapter 4. God didn’t reject Cain’s sacrifice because of the sacrifice but because of Cain’s heart. Cain wasn’t right with God. He didn’t offer His sacrifice in faith.

In 1 Samuel 15:22 King Saul offered sacrifice without the authority to do so. He did this because he became frightened of the enemy troops that were encroaching on him and his men. He was supposed to wait for Samuel, to offer the sacrifice but grew fearful and impatient. Samuel told Him that God preferred obedience over sacrifice.

In Malachi, chapter 1, verse 10 God told his people, “Who is there among you who would shut the doors, so that you would not kindle fire on My altar in vain? I have no pleasure in you,” says the LORD of hosts, “Nor will I accept an offering from your hands.”

In Leviticus God made it clear that He wanted the best of the flock. He wanted a male animal without blemish. This meant that the animal was to be without any type of defect. The people of Israel had returned from Babylonian captivity and rededicated themselves to the Lord. Unfortunately, they began to bring in animals that were maimed or blind or had some type of defect. The priests were wrong to accept these animals.

Many people tend to disregard the Old Testament because it’s just history or it’s just Old Testament rules and regulations, but we must pay attention. The Old Testament is relevant to how we live our lives today. Of course, we no longer offer animal sacrifices on the altar. Jesus gave His life as the ultimate sacrifice, so we no longer need to load an ox on a trailer and bring it to church to be placed on the altar.

We do, however, need to give God our best. God doesn’t want our half-hearted worship any more than he wanted those lame and blind animals. He doesn’t want our leftovers when it comes to tithing. And he certainly doesn’t want us to go to church out of some type of obligation. He wants us to serve Him with all our hearts. Jesus said in Matthew 22:37 that the greatest commandment was that we love the Lord with all our heart, all our soul, and all our mind.

I encourage you today to take a good look at the sacrifice you are offering to the Lord. Do you think you’ve done some big favor to God by showing up even if your heart’s not in it? I’m sure those Israelites thought God would be satisfied with those unacceptable animals, but He made it clear that He was not pleased and would not accept them.

He even said in Malachi chapter 1 verse 10 that it was better to shut the doors of the temple and accept no sacrifices than to accept these lame blemished animals with defects.

Please understand, I would never tell anyone not to go to church. I simply want you to understand if you are just playing church, you are wasting your time. If you are giving God your leftover time and money, why bother?

If your spouse or your children or even your good friends gave you some halfhearted relationship would that be good enough for you? Don’t you want the best from others? Well, God is no different. He loves us with all His heart. He gave us His son. Do you think you can please Him with giving Him a little time every now and then?

If you’re giving for the wrong reasons, or giving him scraps, don’t bother. He wants all your heart and all your soul and all your mind. He gave you the best He had to offer. He expects you to reciprocate.

If you want to experience God’s blessings, give Him your all. Give Him the best you have to offer. I promise you; you won’t be disappointed.

Have a great day!