Honoring His Name
You have said terrible things about me,” says the Lord. “But you say, ‘What do you mean? What have we said against you?’ You have said, ‘What’s the use of serving God? What have we gained by obeying his commands or by trying to show the Lord of Heaven’s Armies that we are sorry for our sins?... Then those who feared the Lord spoke with each other, and the Lord listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the honor of his name. “They will be my people,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Malachi 3:13-14, 16-17 From the text through the prophet Malachi, God charges the people of speaking harshly against Him. The people responded by disagreeing to the accusation. Yet God knowing people’s hearts and minds told them that He knew their motives. God told them what they have been telling others; there was no “use serving God and obeying His commands.” They looked around and saw that the wicked and unrighteous were flourishing. The same conclusion was made by the Psalmist. “Look at these wicked people—enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply. Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason? I get nothing but trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain” (Psalm 73:12-14). We need to look deeper into our hearts and evaluate the reason why we serve God. At times, we will find ourselves tired and lacking in motivation in continuing serving God. We will feel that living our lives for God is so burdensome and weighty. But when we find ourselves speaking against serving God, doing so is also speaking against God. Instead of looking around and comparing your life of service to others, learn how to focus on Him. God listens to those who fear Him and find opportunities to encourage others. Their sense of awe of God and their submission to His authority will not be left unnoticed by God Himself. God sees what we do and the motives of our heart. Instead of associating yourself to those that do not see serving God as a worthy endeavor, find people that promote serving the Lord. God has designed His kingdom so that Christians with like-mindedness join together. It is exciting when you find another Christian who shares the same concerns and burdens that you do! As Malachi had said from the text, “In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the honor of his name.” God knows and remembers how you live the life He gave you and He wants you to live that life in honor of His name.
Blessings,
Noel De Guzman
www.my-wbc.com
