In the days of Malachi, God confronted the Israelites with a piercing question: “Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me!” (Malachi 3:8, NASB). The people, shocked and defensive, replied, “How have we robbed You?” But God made it clear—through their actions, they were guilty of sin. Today, that same question echoes through time. Are we robbing God without realizing it? If we pause to examine our lives, we may find that we are guilty in ways we never expected.
Let’s explore the different ways one can rob God and how we can correct this serious offense.
1. Robbing God of Obedience
The first and most fundamental way we rob God is through disobedience. God has given us His commands, not to burden us, but to guide us in righteousness. Yet many fail to obey, not because they don’t understand, but because they ignore His will. The apostle Paul writes: “So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:17, NASB).
Jesus Himself declared, “The one who has believed and has been baptized will be saved; but the one who has not believed will be condemned” (Mark 16:16, NASB). Still, countless people resist baptism or fail to obey other foundational commands, robbing God of the obedience He deserves. Obedience is not optional; it’s our expression of faith and reverence toward Him. Will we obey, or will we continue to rob God of our obedience?
2. Robbing God in Our Giving
Another way we rob God is in our giving. God expects us to give back a portion of what He has prospered us with. Paul instructs the church, “On the first day of every week, each of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper” (1 Corinthians 16:2, NASB). Yet, many find excuses not to give or offer God only their leftovers.
When we withhold from God, we mirror the Israelites’ defiance in Malachi’s time. God confronted them, saying: “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house; and put Me to the test now in this,” says the Lord of armies, “if I do not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows” (Malachi 3:10, NASB).
Giving reflects our trust in God’s provision. Are we robbing Him by holding tightly to what He has given us? True giving comes from the heart and demonstrates gratitude to the One who provides everything.
3. Robbing God of Our Time
Time is one of the most valuable gifts God has entrusted to us. Yet, how often do we waste it? The psalmist wisely prayed: “So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12, NASB).
Many claim they don’t have time to attend worship, visit the sick, or participate in the Lord’s work. However, they always seem to find time for other pursuits. Jesus reminds us of our priorities: “We must carry out the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming, when no one can work” (John 9:4, NASB). Time is precious, and once it’s spent, it cannot be recovered.
If we neglect the Lord’s work or refuse to devote time to spiritual growth, we are robbing God of the time He deserves.
4. Robbing God of Our Love
Jesus taught that the greatest commandment is this: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37, NASB). Yet, many fail to show their love for God through obedience and service.
The apostle John reminds us, “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3, NASB). When we neglect worship, ignore opportunities to serve others, or abandon the Lord’s Supper, we rob God of our love and devotion. Paul also urges believers, “So then, while we have opportunity, let’s do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith” (Galatians 6:10, NASB).
God deserves our wholehearted love. Are we showing it through our actions, or are we robbing Him?
5. Robbing God of Worship
Worship is how we honor and glorify God. However, some rob Him by neglecting worship or failing to worship in spirit and truth. Jesus said, “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24, NASB).
Worship is not about going through the motions or following traditions made by men. Jesus warned, “This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far away from Me. And in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:8-9, NASB).
When we refuse to worship or worship insincerely, we rob God of the honor He is due.
6. Robbing God by Wearing Human Names
Finally, we rob God when we reject the name He has given to His people. Scripture clearly teaches that those who follow Christ are called “Christians.” Acts 11:26 states, “And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch” (NASB).
When we adopt names or titles given by men instead of honoring the name given by God, we rob Him of His authority. Paul defended the gospel boldly before King Agrippa, who acknowledged, “In a short time you are going to persuade me to make a Christian of myself” (Acts 26:28, NASB).
To wear another name diminishes God’s glory. We must proudly and reverently wear the name of Christ.
Examine Your Life: Are You Robbing God?
The question posed in Malachi 3:8 still resonates today: “Will a man rob God?” Whether through disobedience, withholding our giving, wasting time, failing to love Him fully, neglecting worship, or rejecting His name, we must reflect on our actions. God deserves our best in every area of life.
Let us commit to giving God what He is due—our obedience, our resources, our time, our love, and our worship. As Paul urged, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people” (Colossians 3:23, NASB).
Will you examine your life today? Are you robbing God, or are you honoring Him as He deserves? Let us return to Him fully, for He is worthy.
The Simple Gospel 