An Oldie, but a Goodie

I wrote this a long time ago, it seemed fitting to post it now.

Too Hard To Serve

Mal 1:13 NLT
You say, `It's too hard to serve the Lord,' and you turn up your noses at His commands," says the Lord Almighty. "Think of it! Animals that are stolen and mutilated, crippled and sick-presented as offerings! Should I accept from you such offerings as these?" asks the Lord.


This cut me to the quick this morning. You see, I had a conversation with someone just the night before about how we make compromises with the areas of weakness (sin) in our lives. It just seems too hard to drive that enemy out of the land. So, we get comfortable. We decide it isn't all that bad - we're not hurting anyone. We're not openly blaspheming God. We're not murdering or anything like that. We make excuses. We decide that it really isn't something God wants us to conquer today.

I know. I was shown a giant in my life that needs addressing. In fact, I've been shown it a few times. And, to be honest, I did try to chase it out. Funny thing about those giants, though. You really have to get to know them head-on in order to see them for what they are. Get to know the hold they really have on the land. See all the ways they are cheating you out of a safe home and a good harvest. We don't really want to pay tribute to these encroachers, do we? Somehow, I just seem to run out of steam, or desire, or just plain attention.

I forget the reason why I am to drive the enemy, or giants, from my life. For how do I offer myself as a sacrifice of worship to my God and King if I am full of the blemish of repetitive sin? How can He accept me if I am putting this thing before Him in priority and importance? It is a slap in His lovely face! I know He is merciful to me. I know it well!

And so... I will begin. I will identify fully this giant. This enemy of my soul. I will persevere, by the great grace of God, to slay this evil thing that I let come between me and my King. I will ~ for I want to be that sweet-smelling aroma that reaches to bless my Savior. I know there is no power or even thought in and of myself to do this task. It is in the power of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God that I will overcome. In His power and might - I will serve.