Cheating Self!

Some people, in the process of trying to secure what they want for themselves, in reality end up on the losing end. In the quest for “success” a toll is sometimes taken on relationships with family and friends, on personal health, as well as the missing out on many wonderful aspects of life. The lesson many are too slow to learn (if they learn it at all) is that in the process of gaining what they think is life they stand to lose it. (note Matthew 16:25-26) The earlier in life this principle is learned the better off one will be as goals begin to be set for life.

During the time of Malachi we read…
“(8) WILL MAN ROB GOD? YET YOU ARE ROBBING ME. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions. (9) You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. (10) Bring the full tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby PUT ME TO THE TEST, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not OPEN THE WINDOWS OF HEAVEN FOR YOU AND POUR DOWN FOR YOU A BLESSING UNTIL THERE IS NO MORE NEED. (11) I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts. (12) THEN ALL NATIONS WILL CALL YOU BLESSED, for you will be a land of delight, says the Lord of hosts.” ( Malachi 3:8-12 ESV)

Robbing God? Apparently God’s people were not bringing what they were supposed to have tithed to Him. Those tithes were meant to help support God’s priesthood and their work. Perhaps the tithes were being withheld because the people felt they couldn’t afford to give. However, did you note how much God desired to BLESS them? Someone has said, “When you rob God, you cheat yourself.” [source: sentence sermons] That’s exactly what was happening. They were missing out on God’s BLESSINGS because they had held back, not trusting in God to provide.

Robbing God can be done in various ways. One may offer their life to God and then take it back as their own to pursue and retain their own things. It is far too easy to get wrapped up in the urgent and forget what is of greater and lasting significance. One may refuse to give of money, time, or energy in the service of which God has called His people to be a part. However, by so doing, there will be the loss of the BLESSINGS He desires to bestow -- one of which is the joy of giving!

Note how Jesus stated the BLESSING.
“(37) Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; (38) GIVE, AND IT WILL BE GIVEN TO YOU. GOOD MEASURE, PRESSED DOWN, SHAKEN TOGETHER, RUNNING OVER, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” ( Luke 6:37-38 ESV)

Every time I read that passage I think of the statement on the side of cereal boxes that reads, “Packaged by weight. Contents may settle during shipping.” That statement is intended to explain the reason why there is still a lot of room in the top of the box. However, picture the BLESSING of God being in such an abundance in so many ways that the box (life) is filled to running over with both physical and spiritual BLESSINGS.

As Jesus pointed to the BLESSING He noted its connection with the willingness to give. In wholly giving ourselves to God we display a trust in His promises to provide. Are we giving God His due? If not, we ultimately cheat ourselves out of what He wishes to provide. May we keep our trust in Him as we seek to serve His Will in our daily lives.

Have a great day LOSING LIFE TO GOD TO FIND IT AND KEEP IT!
Carl

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