"When you offer blind animals in sacrifice, is that not evil? And when you offer those that are lame or sick, is that not evil? Present that to your governor; will he accept you or show you favor? says the LORD of hosts." Malachi 1:8

For thirty-four years I have observed people bringing "stuff" to the church. They think they are doing a good deed by donating to the Lord's work. While the spirit of giving may have been sincere, the "stuff" has been less than stellar. I have seen donations from yard sales, flea markets, spring cleaning and just plain "nobody wants it anymore". So, the next stop is the church; maybe their trash will be God's treasure.

Were the sacrifices and donations of Malachi's day God's treasure? The flow of the first chapter state an emphatic "no". The Lord raises a significant question, "Present that to your governor; will he accept you or show you favor?" In other words, would you honor an earthly dignitary with such "stuff" and expect to be well received? Would such "stuff" truly please your Governor, President or King?

Be wise my friend and give to the Lord gifts and donations of which He is worthy. The Lord has blessed you with all that you have, and eternity too. He deserves your very best in all that you give Him. The Lord always and only deserves your treasure... never your trash.