In Malachi 1 the Priests are getting blasted for lackluster leadership.  In a complicated sacrificial system, the Priests had been allowing the people to bring their leftover, jacked-up animals to the temple instead of the award winning kind that were capable of winning a blue ribbon at the county fair (do they still have that stuff?).

The problem was that since the Priests were to be a type of standard bearer – their willingness to bend the rules caused the people to have a distorted perception of God.  2nd rate giving (our gifts to God reflect our attitude toward Him) became the norm and ignoring the issue was much more convenient than confronting the problem.

God didn’t take this lightly…¹⁴ “Cursed is the cheat who has an acceptable male in his flock and vows to give it, but then sacrifices a blemished animal to the Lord. For I am a great King.”

If He didn’t take it lightly – than neither should we.  God deserves our best – so whatever your bringing – bring your best.  He is a Great King!