Are We Giving God Our Leftovers?

Malachi 1:6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14 Under the Law, the sacrifices to the priests were to be their best.

Genesis 4:4,5 God has always asked for the best. God was pleased and satisfied with Abel’s offering.

Even if I had leftovers from a wonderful meal, I would still prepare my best if I was hosting an important person.

At work, if I only gave my “leftovers” of time, I would not be doing my job. And soon I would no longer have a job there!

Am I giving my best to God during the day? Is He a priority? Do I only give Him the last (leftover) five minutes of the day after I finish all the things I want to do?

God doesn’t need anything from me. He has everything. It’s a matter of obedience. Today we don’t offer sacrifice of animals, but I offer God my time, money, and talents.

A friend is someone I make a point to call or speak to. Otherwise, they quickly just become acquaintances. If I offer my spouse only a few hours of conversation on Sunday, that would not be acceptable. God is saying, “You wouldn't offer this to someone important to you. You shouldn't bring this kind of offering to Me.”

Malachi 1:10,11 God would rather have nothing and for the temple to be shut down, than a lazy sacrifice.

Psalms 91:1 God wants me to spend time in the “secret place”.

Matthew 6:6 Jesus wasn’t talking about a physical location. It’s a spiritual place. Does my spiritual place show neglect, as if it isn't used often?

Malachi 1:11 If I don’t offer sacrifice to God, someone or something will praise God.

Acts 17:24,25 God has everything. He doesn’t give us leftovers.

Malachi 1:12,13,14 Am I bringing something lame and sick (not my best)?

What am I doing with my time? What am I offering to God? How are my decisions affecting my time and relationship to God?

If I want to do something, I will figure out a way to do it. If I love God, it will drive me to set aside some things to do what I love.

Am I giving God my leftovers to check a box or to avoid saying I did “nothing"? Or am I spending time with Him as my first priority?