Where has all the Kindness Gone?

January 3, 2019

Malachi 3:8-12

 ^“Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions.  You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you.  Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.  I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts.  Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the Lord of hosts.”

This morning someone sent me a paper that was full of interesting thoughts, and the questions that do have answer, like; why is a person who plays the piano called a pianist, but a person who drives a racecar is not called a racist?  If people evolved from apes, why are there still apes?  Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale?  But the question that follows made my thinker go into high gear for only a moment, and then the answer came.  If it's true that we are here to help others, then what exactly are the others here for?

I’m not sure if you noticed, but kindness is not all that prevalent in our society, not to children or older people.  I’ve observed that many who are up in age are some of the most self-centered people I have come across.  But if you call yourself a follower of Christ, kindness should flow out of you as we are instructed in Ephesians 4:31-32.  “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.  Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” What are the others here for, and the answer is so clear, to live out the teachings of Christ, to allow the Holy Spirit to minister through your life.

Yes, man will rob God often we do not lend a helping hand waiting for others to step up to the plate, others like government.  But Malachi 3:8 makes it clear how you robbed God, in both your tithes and contributions.  Verse 9, tells us we are under a curse, and God is talking to those who go by His name, not your neighbor who never goes to church and believes he does not need God.

Now the good news to those who are obedient in this area of the Christ-life is verses 10-12.  Life is about choices, and today my brothers and sisters in Christ it is your choice, so be a blessing to all who come in contact with you!

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice