I am using the daily Bible reading schedule from “The Bible.net” for my daily Bible reading.

Today, I am reading and commenting on Malachi 1-4.

    The prophet condemns God’s people for failing to be faithful. He condemns those who give damaged goods as sacrifices to God. My first thought was, “How does that apply to us today?” It occurred to me that there might be a parallel in giving things to thrift stores, or other charities, that we no longer want or need (clothing, furniture, etc.). The government allows us to use the value of such things as a deduction on our taxes. There is nothing wrong with doing so. However, I am sure there are people who think they are being charitable by doing so. I will admit that I feel good when I make such donations. However, my pleasure derives from the thought that those goods will not go to waste, not because I am somehow helping someone less fortunate than myself.

    The prophet goes on to condemn the religious leaders who have left God’s paths and instructed people to sin. There are many ways in which religious leaders today are guilty of this charge…and you should not let yourself off the hook on this charge just because you are not a pastor, or otherwise employed by the Church. Are you sure that you have not been called to provide religious leadership to someone in your life? And then comes the final condemnation which applies thoroughly to our society, being unfaithful. In particular, marital fidelity. First, I want to say that you do not have to go through a ceremony to be married in the eyes of God. Second, Jesus taught us that it does not require a physical act to be unfaithful. If you have ever fantasized about having a sexual relationship with someone other than your spouse you are guilty of the charge the prophet is bringing.

    I am not sure now where I was going with what I wrote above. I really did have a plan as to where that would lead, but it escapes me now. However, the prophet condemns those who may not commit any of the sins he mentioned above. He also condemns those who say that such things are not sins. He condemns those who say that those who sin are doing God’s will. If we proclaim that there is no harm from doing those things which will harm the person who does them, we are as guilty as those who harm that person directly.