STILL ROBBING GOD?

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Still robbing God?

Some Sundays ago, I stood there teaching and leading songs at the Lord's church in Asaba. When you lead, you see a wide array of singers: happy, interested, motivated, detached, disgruntled and even mute.
Malachi 3:8-9 (AKJV)  Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed me. But you say, Wherein have we robbed you? In tithes and offerings.You are cursed with a curse: for you have robbed me, even this whole nation.
Hebrews 13:15 (AKJV)  By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

I got wondering if God really would accept what we bring as an offering today. What was an oblation of bulls and rams have been substituted with songs of praise in this new covenant. I think it's easier and even better. For we now have an opportunity to pour our heart felt feelings of gratitude as we make melody in songs to our great God.

Those of old robbed God. They offered what they liked. Blind and lame animals. Nothing compared to what they would offer their governors! And God wasn't pleased. He wouldn't accept what's not good enough.
Are we doing better today? Do we care how we sing? How much effort do we put into "singing with grace" or "making melody in our hearts" as he commands. It's not too much work to get the best out of our songs in every sense. I believe we rob God when we sing like it's no man's business. Without a soul. Without passion and energy. Without sufficient melody! We can't take some of our worship singing to a road show. Men will boo us. Yet are we comfortable to present that in worship to God?

It's the best of their groomed animals God expected for a sacrifice. It's only logical to think God will also only accept the best we can offer in terms of singing. Groomed voices. Well pitched songs. Harmonious Renditions. Melody!

Every individual must take responsibility for his or her attitude towards worship. There's no room for nodding to a song you know while others do the singing. We are to speak to one another (Ephesians. 5:19). It's not entertainment. It's worship. Do whatever will make the song sound better. If you can sing a melody part, why not? Don't withhold your best from God. That's the sacrifice he desires and deserves.

As a church, we must not make the mistake the nation of Israel made by offering the unacceptable. Let's consider encouraging  song ministers. Let's invest quality time in singing during worship. That's God's true due. Let's also make out time to adequately learn spiritual songs. We can't sing what we don't know. There is a positive correlation between praising God and knowing him better.
Will our generation be remembered as one rich in God's praise? Will our sacrifices be worth a mention when God opens his book of remembrance? Let's do all we can, While we still can to offer up a sacrifice pleasing to God and deserving of his glory. Amen.

Osagiede Idehen. Singer and song writer, Author and Doctor.

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