Contempt for God

“A son honors his father, and a slave his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?” says the Lord Almighty.  “It is you priests who show contempt for my name. But you ask, ‘How have we shown contempt for your name?’ “

Malachi 1:6 NIV

Read the book of Malachi and it will soon become apparent that God answers the above question for his people.  He gives example upon example of the contemptuous way they have behaved. Attacking others with the intention of insulting or abusing them was one of those issues and God says it has tremendous spiritual implications.  I suppose that is why it is important when we notice that we are doing so - whether in thought, word, or deed, we need to pay attention and take it seriously if this is our faith perspective. That dude is right, even though I hate to admit it, contemptuous behavior is common today.  It would be easy for us to minimize our own as we find someone else who has done something much worse in comparison. But this is not our model for comparison, is it? Today, notice if you are contemptuous of anyone. Unless, of course, you do not believe that this is a necessary core value.  If that’s the case - carry on.

Tomorrow, we will start a discussion on why this matters and what we do differently.

God Stays On Message

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Malachi was another one of God’s prophets.  His message?  “I have loved you,” said the Lord.”  Malachi 1:2

His people couldn’t understand it, and certainly clarity hasn’t gotten any easier over the decades.  He also had another message for his people, maybe one we can spend some time reflecting on as we approach the birthday of Jesus.

“Behold,” he says, “I am making all things new.”  Rev. 21:5

I join you in prayer that he will take our weary, worn ways and make all things new.  Redeem us Lord, we pray.  Let our eyes see the light of your love in our world.  

Amen.