“Who is there even among you who would shut the doors, so that you would not kindle fire on My altar in vain? I have no pleasure in you,” says the Lord of hosts, “Nor will I accept an offering from your hands.”
Malachi 1:10

I once read a book with a chapter entitled, “Serving Leftovers to a Holy God.” The author quoted Malachi 1:10 adding his observation that many people in church engage in acts of worship with half, or no heart.

It is easy to sing an entire song in church (maybe even several) with our mouths, while our hearts and minds are disengaged, or engaged elsewhere. And what of those who sit through (sleep through?) sermon after sermon, but who are not moved to do anything about what they have heard. God receives no blessing, or honor, nor does He receive any delight in such vain worship.

The author of the book I mentioned asked, “How many churches are there whose doors God might prefer to shut, than to continue to receive our left-overs?” May we not contribute to such a condition.

Hard hitting words like these are not negative—unless we fail to respond appropriately. The appropriate response is not defensiveness, rationalization, or adopting a “throw in the towel” quitter’s attitude. The correct response is to acknowledge our weakness and half-heartedness in worship. Confess it as sin. Receive God’s forgiveness (which He is so gracious to freely give). And then let us redouble our efforts to be fully engaged in worship of the Almighty.