Honor That Is Due

Scripture:

Malachi 2:1-2
“And now this commandment is for you, O priests. If you do not listen, and if you do not take it to heart to give honor to My name,” says the LORD of hosts, “then I will send the curse upon you and I will curse your blessings; and indeed, I have cursed them already, because you are not taking it to heart. (NASB)

Observation:

Even though this message from the LORD was given to the priests of Judah who were using their influence in corrupt ways to hurt God’s people rather than help them, I believe it still speaks to us today, because as Christians, we are all disciples of God’s Truth and the LORD holds us accountable in our spheres of influence. This especially holds true for the leaders of the Church, who God has set apart to shepherd His people.
The moral decline within America is a perfect example of how our leaders and the media can influence a nation. The LORD has exposed many evangelical leaders and Catholic priests in our country who have defiled the Lord’s name by their corrupt and immoral actions. Not only is the Church seeing a moral decline but our country as a whole is suffering this affliction as well, because many of our leaders in Government, the very people we voted into office, are corrupt, immoral, and are leading our great nation down a destructive path. All the turmoil that has engulfed our world is the consequences of moral decay and worldwide rebellion against our LORD God. And these consequences are running their course, my friends, just as God’s Word has been telling us for thousands of years.

Application:

With that said, there is indeed some Good News—our Almighty and All Loving God is alive and well and has provided us with a Savior, His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord (John 3:16). He is our ticket out of this hellish turmoil that is dominated by Satan and those who are enslaved by the sinful pleasures of their flesh. Our Lord, Christ Jesus, will come again to save both the living and the dead (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18), restoring them and all His creation (Revelation 21:5) to its original glory so that we can live eternally in the presence of our Holy God. Imagine……sitting down and talking face to Face with our Creator. What a “Wonderful Life” it will be for those who persevere with faith in God’s Amazing Grace.

Prayer:

I ask You, LORD, to continue transforming my life into one that honors you in all that I do. I know that because of my sinful nature, many of my old habits tend to die hard, but I also know that anything is possible with You as my Transformer. Thank You for the opportunity to walk in Your forgiveness and grace. You are the answer to my prayers of many years and there is not One I honor more than You, my Creator and my God!