But cursed is the [cheating] deceiver who has a male in his flock and vows to offer it, yet sacrifices to the [sovereign] Lord a blemished or diseased thing! For I am a great King, says the Lord of hosts, and My name is terrible and to be [reverently] feared among the nations. – Malachi 1:14, Amplified Bible (AMP)

When small children give gifts at Christmas time, they often give gifts that they have made with their own hands. As you watch the children await the reactions of those receiving their gifts, you can tell how important it is to the children that their gifts are well received. They’ve poured their best efforts into making those gifts, and they want the recipients to appreciate how much love went into those items.

In contrast, many older children and many adults give Christmas gifts in a half-hearted fashion. Seeing gift-giving as more of a chore than a delight, they put minimal thought and effort into preparing gifts for others. The minimal effort is obvious to both the recipients and to those watching the exchanges, yet everybody sports an obligatory smile to say “thank you” nonetheless.

When we offer ourselves as a living sacrifice to God, many times we act like the older child or the adult at Christmas time. We offer our gifts to God in a half-hearted fashion, and we expect an obligatory nod of approval in return. But God doesn’t approve of half-hearted efforts to please Him. He demands nothing but the best, and He deserves no less. As He states in Malachi 1:8, the governor won’t accept an incomplete sacrifice in payment of one’s tax bill, and if only the best will do for a human ruler, how much more will only the best do for the King of all Creation?

When God asks something of you, don’t skimp on providing to Him what He seeks. Whether your sacrificial gifts involve giving money, serving others in or out of church, giving it your all at work or at school, or obeying His command to make disciples, offer your sacrifices completely, whole-heartedly, and without reservation. The God of the Universe is worthy of nothing less than your best, and you will be blessed by giving to Him what He deserves.

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