Fully Obey
Pastor Ken
Malachi 3:10 (NIV)
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”
Traditionally, most Christians limit Malachi 3:10 to money. But if you more intently examine the context, you will discover that it’s not solely about money, but it’s also about obedience to the entirety of God’s Word.
Deuteronomy 28:1-2
If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God…
Notice the stipulation; you must fully obey if you are to experience the bounty of God’s blessings. But what is “full” obedience? I think the money analogy of Malachi 3:10 helps answer that question.
Recurringly – In the same manner you should resolve to give to God regularly, you should also resolve to fully obey God regularly.
Intentionally – In the same manner you should be intentional with your giving, you should be intentional with your full obedience.
Personally – Giving is not meant to be a show. Neither is obedience. Both things mean more when nobody else is looking.
Freely – Just as you should never give out of guilt or manipulation, neither should you obey God out of guilt or manipulation.
Cheerfully – Giving should be done happily, not grudgingly. So should it be with your obedience.
Generously – Whether you’re talking about money or about obedience, you should always strive to give more rather than less.
Further, I would remind you that Malachi 3 is the only place God challenges you to “test” Him. However, I would venture to say that He does not invite you to test Him only in your finances, but to test Him in all areas of obedience so that you may experience the fullness of His blessings.
So, I urge you; begin to sow the seed of full obedience and then see the fruit it yields both for yourself and those around you.
Have a great Monday!