Devotions: Take to Heart

 

“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.”

Malachi 2:2 New American Standard Bible 1995

 

Malachi recorded a warning to God’s people. It was the last message from God before the 400 year silence that preceded the birth of Christ. They had rebelled, been exiled, restored and apparently had still not learned their lesson. The religious leaders were lax, legalistic and hard hearted. They were teaching the people in ways contrary to God, misleading them in doctrine and lifestyle. They were corrupt and corrupting the people. They gave God the leftovers instead of giving Him the first and best, acted selfishly, and treated people badly. Their time with God was tiresome, a duty instead of a joy. They caused the Gentiles to curse the name of God rather than praise it by their actions. Then they whined and cried because their prayers were not answered and refused to acknowledge how they were wrong. Even worse, they spoke ill of the Lord because they were being disciplined.

The priests had been warned what would happen if they did not take God’s warnings and instructions to heart. This is a stark reminder to us. All believers are considered a royal priesthood, so the principles and warnings for them apply to us. We need to consider carefully if we are taking God’s instructions to heart, or if we are living our way and rejecting God’s commands. We need to pay attention to how we are leading others by our example and if we are causing the unbelieving to praise God or curse Him.

Are you giving God your best or your leftovers? Do you put others first or act selfishly? Is worshipping and serving God a tiresome duty or a joy? Are your prayers being answered? How do you take discipline? Ask God to soften your heart. Seek to be more like Him, learn from correction, and take His Word to heart.

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