Not Taking It To Heart

“If you will not hear, and if you will not take it to heart, to give glory to My name,” says the Lord of hosts, “I will send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have cursed them already, because you do not take it to heart.” Malachi 2:2

People who are really good at some talent take that talent to heart. Their whole heart and mind are focused upon that talent to become the best that is possible. The focus is on how to do what is best and avoid what will harm.

Malachi records God telling the people that if they will not hear or take His words to heart to give Him glory, then He will send a curse upon them and remove their blessings.

Out of all the people in the world, there are very few who are seriously focused on being the best in some field of expertise. People just like to go along with the flow and not take most things seriously and apply them to their lives. In order to do so, they must be willing to work at it. Actions like this can be seen in the church.

People who consider themselves believers physically hear God’s word, but do not take it to heart. They are unwilling to obey what God’s word says. Sin is accepted as normal and even good. It is excused away, rather than repented of. Acting in this way does not give glory to God’s name but brings dishonor to it and a curse upon their life.

Believers are to hear God’s word. This is to hear it, apply it, and obey it with all of their heart, mind, soul, and strength. As this is done, it brings glory and honor to God’s name and blessings to their life.

Every time you read or hear God’s word, you are hearing commands or directions on how to live your life to honor Him. You have a choice each time as to whether you will obey God’s words or disobey them, take them to heart, or disregard them.

God does not want to bring a curse upon your life or condemn you to hell because of sin. He has sent Jesus to remove all sin. Do not go back to those sins but take God’s word to heart and apply it to your life. Obey His commands, honor God’s name, and receive His blessings.

Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that you will spiritually hear God’s word; that you will apply God’s word to your life; that you will obey God’s word; and that you will bring honor to God’s name.

Purchase Tom’s New Daily Devotional Here!

This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Insights from Tom

About the Author

Tom Arn is happily married for 30 years to his wonderful wife Cammie. They are blessed by God with eight wonderful children and one grandchild. Tom has worked as a children’s pastor, senior pastor, and many times (and currently) as a Sunday School Teacher. He has a General Ministries degree with a Bible College. He started doing a short devotional type Bible study on Facebook in 2014, going through the books of the Bible chapter by chapter, section by section. Tom writes what he feels God is placing on his heart.

Bio & Posts