During one practice, the coaches gave their team instructions and then left the gym momentarily. Thanks to a hidden camera, the coaches later discovered that some of the players were lacking effort and respect. The video revealed that when the coaches left the gym, some of the players stopped working, some even working less than they did when the coaches were in the room, while others completed the tasks.

If my coach isn't looking, do I give my best? If no one is in the weight room, do I complete all my repetitions? 

God confronted His people in the book of Malachi when their efforts weren’t up to good standards. God commanded that when people made their sacrifices to Him, they were supposed to give their best (Leviticus 1:3). However, when the people showed up at the temple, they brought their crippled and diseased lambs. In other words, they brought God their worst. God said, "Where is the respect and honor I deserve?" Bringing less than our best reflects what we think of the one in charge.

God was also upset with the priests who allowed it. They knew better! If I am the captain of my team, I reflect on the coach and the program. If my teammates are purposely lacking effort, it's my responsibility to honor the coach, and make sure my teammates honor the coach as well. Like a disrespectful and lazy captain, these priests were not honoring God!

If we give God our leftover time, money, and energy, we are repeating the same sin as the worshippers in Malachi's time. I encourage you today to give God your best!