Malachi 1:6

Malachi 1:6 (ESV): ““A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? says the Lord of hosts to you, O priests, who despise my name. But you say, ‘How have we despised your name?’”

There is a significant difference between assuming we are honoring God and actually honoring Him in a way He recognizes. Israel believed they were worshiping—offering sacrifices and honor God but it turns out they were not!   

Malachi is writing just after the exiles from Babylon had completed the Temple under the urging of Haggai and Zechariah. Because it did not usher in the expected Messianic age, many began living for themselves. They misinterpreted the completion of that Temple as the fulfillment of prophetic expectations, confusing it with the future Temple associated with the Tribulation period. Over time, they became so desensitized to their sin that they believed they were still honoring God. The Lord, in essence, says, “Not so!” Sadly, their sin concealed the truth from their eyes.

Are you living a life that honors God? Are there things in your life that you think are not a big deal but are actually undermining your honor of Him? We all have sin in our lives. The question is: Are we living in it, or are we fighting against it? That is the difference between honoring God and dishonoring Him. Ask God to reveal any areas of dishonor, and then address them so you can live a life that truly honors Him.

Father, our heart’s desire is to honor You. If there is anything hindering that, reveal it so we can make it right. Fill us with Your Spirit, we pray, in Jesus’ name. Amen.