In Malachi, we see people trapped in religious routines, forgetting the very God they’re meant to adore. Their sacrifices are mere leftovers, their worship is a chore, and their hearts are indifferent. When God declared, “I have loved you,” they cynically replied, “How have you loved us?” This startling exchange should unsettle us. But before we criticize their callousness, we must ask: Is our worship vibrant and transformational, or just a lifeless checkbox on a religious to-do list? Beware, because spiritual apathy creeps in quietly! If you’re just going through the motions, ask God to rekindle your love and restore a genuine heart of worship. It’s not about rituals—it’s about a relationship that ignites awe for the One who first loved us.
When Victory is Followed by Defeat
Throughout history, many victories on the battlefield have been immediately followed by crushing defeat. This is a syndrome called Victory Disease. It is brought on when the euphoria of winning dulls the senses and creates a feeling of invincibility. The same thing happens in the Christian life. We’re standing one day and crawling the next. We must never let down our guard, especially in moments of triumph.
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