It is interesting that Jesus gave the Nephites a recitation
of Malachi 3-4 and not the first parts of Malachi as well. It makes me wonder.
Did He give the other parts too and Mormon only included the parts he felt were
most applicable to us, or did Jesus just give Malachi 3-4?
Regardless of this question, though, it is interesting to
study the parts given and see how they apply to us.
The message seems to be about the importance of preparing
for the second coming by repenting and purifying one’s self. Two particular
issues are raised that need dealing with, which people aren’t aware, and which
seem to underline the need for prophets and revelation.
Problem #1 is the people don’t understand that withholding their
tithing’s and offerings constitutes robbing God and brings a curse. The promise
is reinterated that blessings are poured out on those who tithe.
Problem #2 is the people think serving God won’t get them
anywhere. They think there is no profit in it because the wicked seem to be far
more successful. The problem with
this is that it is an implicit rebuke of God Himself, asserting that His ways
are less successful than the world’s. However, we are told that the righteous
do not have this attitude, but they
speak often to one another (to encourage each other to endure) and they fear
the Lord (more than the world) and they think upon His name (instead of
obsessing about worldly things).
In the end, those who believe the Lord’s ways are best and who
act in line with that belief will be vindicated because the difference will be
obvious between the Lord’s ways and the world’s ways. We are told the proud and wicked whom many thought were so
happy and safe from difficulty will be burned up, whereas those who followed
the Lord will be saved, healed, nourished, and at peace.
We get reminders about paying tithing from time to time, so
the principle of tithing has higher awareness in the church. But how are our
attitudes about the source of success and safety in life?
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