In what ways can we avoid the sins listed in Malachi 3:5 today? Setting the Scene “Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be swift to bear witness against sorcerers, adulterers, perjurers, against oppressors of widows and the fatherless, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, and against those who deny justice to the foreigner—or do not fear Me,” says the LORD of Hosts. (Malachi 3:5) This verse names seven specific sins. Scripture is clear: God Himself will testify against anyone who practices them. Because His Word is infallible and literal, avoiding these sins is not optional; it is an essential mark of covenant faithfulness. Guarding Against Sorcery Sorcery covers every attempt to manipulate spiritual power apart from God. • Resist any form of witchcraft, divination, astrology, horoscopes, tarot, crystals, spells, séances, or occult entertainment (Deuteronomy 18:9-14; Acts 19:18-20). • Rely solely on prayer, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit for insight and guidance (James 1:5; John 16:13). • Cleanse your home of occult objects, literature, or media. Safeguarding Marriage and Purity Adultery shatters covenant trust. Jesus deepens the command by equating lust with adultery in the heart (Matthew 5:27-28). • Cultivate contentment and fidelity by rejoicing in the spouse God has given (Proverbs 5:18-19). • Guard eyes and mind—limit media that normalizes sexual immorality (Psalm 101:3). • Maintain accountability: same-sex friendships, filters, pastoral oversight. • Honor marriage publicly and privately (Hebrews 13:4). Speaking Truth at All Times Perjury is a form of false witness, which God hates (Proverbs 6:16-19). • Commit to absolute truthfulness in court, workplace, and everyday conversation (Ephesians 4:25). • Refuse exaggeration, half-truths, and gossip. • If false testimony has occurred, confess, repent, and make restitution where possible (Luke 19:8). Upholding the Vulnerable: Widows and the Fatherless Neglect or oppression of those without family protection invites God’s judgment (Psalm 68:5). • Support church benevolence funds, food pantries, and foster/adoption ministries (James 1:27). • Offer practical help: home repairs, transportation, companionship, advocacy. • Speak up when you see exploitation or bureaucratic hurdles harming them (Proverbs 31:8-9). Honoring Labor and Fair Wages Withholding or underpaying wages is theft in God’s sight (Deuteronomy 24:14-15; James 5:4). • Pay employees promptly and fairly, reflecting their true value (Colossians 4:1). • Refuse participation in under-the-table schemes that cheat workers of benefits or taxes. • As an employee, give honest labor, avoiding time-theft and petty fraud (Ephesians 6:5-8). Welcoming the Foreigner Denying justice to immigrants contradicts God’s heart (Leviticus 19:33-34). • Treat foreigners with the same dignity you desire (Matthew 7:12). • Assist with language classes, legal aid, job searches, and cultural acclimation. • Oppose discriminatory practices that hinder access to housing, employment, or due process. Cultivating the Fear of the Lord Every sin in Malachi 3:5 flows from a heart that “does not fear Me.” • Meditate daily on God’s holiness, justice, and mercy (Exodus 20:20; Proverbs 9:10). • Prioritize corporate worship and personal devotion to keep His majesty before your eyes (Psalm 96:9). • Remember future accountability: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10). Practical Next Steps • Conduct a prayerful self-audit of the seven areas; confess and forsake any compromise (1 John 1:9). • Establish clear boundaries—media filters, financial policies, accountability partners. • Engage in ongoing discipleship: Scripture memory, small-group fellowship, mentoring relationships. • Serve intentionally among the vulnerable—widows, orphans, immigrants, low-wage workers—to embody God’s justice and compassion. By embracing these concrete actions, we honor the Lord of Hosts, avoid the sins He condemns, and bear witness to His righteous character in a watching world. |
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