Will You Rob God???

I have never been a voracious reader of the bible...I'd say I'm more of a casual reader. Yet, a line from the holy book hits me and hits me hard..."Will you rob God?" the book of Malachi screams in my face.
This is the incredible question posed by Malachi, God’s messenger, to his people. And this is the question that has set me thinking.

Sure we all sin…we are human after all. The occasional lie…the sudden jealousy that surfaces once in a while…a horrid thought that pops in sometimes. And more often than not we have our moments of overwhelming repentance when the so-called inner voice becomes too much to take. But its not like we steal or rob…nay, we are honest God fearing folks.

Well here’s a thought to chew on. Malachi answers his question himself…when you don’t give god what is rightfully his you are robbing him. Malachi talks about tithes and sacrifices…I see another perspective. What is it that God expects…worship, praise, obedience?…yeah sure, but is that all?

He breathed life into you and you rightfully belong to him. But does belonging to him mean that you be a mere puppet?…I think not. Man was created with intelligence to know right from wrong and the wisdom to choose what is right. He wants you choose him as your best friend, guide, confidante. He wants to be that person whom you would run to no matter what.

Pray to him…but not the hurried prayer that most of us recite before going to bed. I have personally never believed in the impassioned, fervent prayers that some chant in an emotionally aroused state of mind. Praying means talking to god. Talk to him like you would talk to a friend, tell him your problems and seek his help like you would of your father and believe that he is the all knowing, all pervasive power who will set all your troubles right.

We need to give him that unparalleled position in our life that rightfully belongs to him. Cause when we don’t, we are robbing him of what is rightfully his…we are in fact, nothing more than a common thieves.