
One of the sobering marks of the present state of the American Church is the flippancy with which we approach the Almighty. It seems that many professing Christians interpret God’s grace toward us as permission to operate in various levels of slackness and irreverence. Many offer God their leftovers in life. Consecration is viewed as legalism and sacrificial service is labeled striving. Does it matter how we worship God? Does He care what we offer Him as long as we offer…something? A careful look at Malachi chapter one reminds us that the God who never changes expects an intentional, thoughtful response from those who say they belong to Him. Yes, Jesus paid it all, but that reality must never produce in us a mindless, cavalier approach to worship and service to God.