SIGNS OF DISRESPECT FOR GOD AND HIS HOUSE
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Malachi 1:6-14
Supporting Texts: Ecclesiastes 5:1-2, Leviticus 19:30, Matthew 21:12-13, Hebrews 12:28-29, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17
INTRODUCTION:
The house of God is not just a building—it is a sacred space where God meets with His people. In both the Old and New Testaments, we see the seriousness with which God treats His house. Disrespecting God's house is equivalent to dishonouring God Himself. Yet, in today’s world, many believers have grown careless, casual, and even irreverent in their conduct within the sanctuary.
God desires honour, reverence, and holy conduct, especially in His house. How we treat His house reflects our attitude toward His presence. It is important that we examine ourselves and return to a posture of godly fear, humility, and honour when approaching the things of God.
Let us consider some clear signs of disrespect for God and His house and return to a culture of honour, reverence, and worship.
1. CARELESSNESS IN WORSHIP
Worship should be intentional, reverent, and focused on God, not a performance.
a) Worship Without Reverence (Ecclesiastes 5:1-2)
God warns against speaking or acting thoughtlessly in His house.
b) Distractions During Worship Services (Isaiah 29:13)
When our mouths are singing but our hearts are far from Him, we disrespect His presence.
c) Treating Worship Casually or as Entertainment (John 4:24)
True worship must be in spirit and in truth—not mere routine.
d) Arriving Late and Leaving Early From God’s Presence (Malachi 1:8)
Giving God our leftovers instead of our best is dishonourable.
Biblical Example: Nadab and Abihu offered strange fire and were judged by God (Leviticus 10:1-2).
2. DESECRATING THE HOLINESS OF THE SANCTUARY
The house of God must be treated as a place set apart for sacred use.
a) Profane Conversations in God’s House (Leviticus 19:30)
Speaking carelessly or joking inside the sanctuary shows lack of fear of God.
b) Turning the House of God into a Marketplace (Matthew 21:12-13)
Jesus drove out the money changers for turning God's house into a den of thieves.
c) Improper Dressing and Indecent Appearance (1 Timothy 2:9)
Modesty and honour must be shown in our appearance before God.
d) Bringing Carnal Behaviour Into Sacred Gatherings (1 Corinthians 11:20-22)
Fleshly conduct can defile the sanctity of worship.
Biblical Example: Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas, treated the Lord’s offerings with contempt and were punished (1 Samuel 2:12-17).
3. DISHONOURING GOD’S WORD AND SERVANTS
God honours His Word and His messengers—so must we.
a) Ignoring or Sleeping During the Word of God (Acts 20:9)
It is dishonourable to be careless or inattentive when God is speaking.
b) Criticising and Undermining Ministers of God (Hebrews 13:17)
Those who serve in God’s house deserve respect and support.
c) Refusing to Respond to the Word With Obedience (James 1:22)
Hearing without doing is a form of disrespect.
d) Using the Pulpit or Church Platform for Personal Agenda (2 Corinthians 4:5)
The house of God must glorify Christ, not man.
Biblical Example: Korah and his followers dishonoured Moses and perished (Numbers 16:1-35).
4. OFFERING GOD WHAT IS UNWORTHY
God rejects what is not given in honour and faith.
a) Giving Defective or Leftover Offerings (Malachi 1:13-14)
God rebukes those who bring sick or blind offerings.
b) Giving Grudgingly or Out of Compulsion (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Our giving must reflect our love and honour for God.
c) Holding Back Tithes and Offerings (Malachi 3:8-10)
To withhold from God is to dishonour Him.
d) Manipulative or Showy Giving (Matthew 6:1-4)
Giving must be sincere, not to gain human applause.
Biblical Example: Ananias and Sapphira lied about their offering and died (Acts 5:1-11).
5. LACK OF REVERENCE FOR GOD’S PRESENCE
God’s presence demands holy awe and deep respect.
a) Talking and Walking Aimlessly During Services (Habakkuk 2:20)
"The Lord is in His holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before Him."
b) Using Phones for Social Media or Gossip in Church (Psalm 89:7)
God is to be feared in the assembly of the saints.
c) Not Responding to the Move of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30)
Grieving the Spirit by disinterest or irreverence blocks divine flow.
d) Treating God’s Presence as Ordinary (Exodus 3:5)
Moses was told to remove his sandals—God’s presence demands honour.
Biblical Example: Uzzah touched the ark carelessly and died instantly (2 Samuel 6:6-7).
CONCLUSION:
The church is the house of God, and how we treat it reflects our heart toward God. Reverence, honour, and godly fear must return to the sanctuary. Let us not be casual or careless with sacred things. Instead, may we rise as a people who esteem the presence of God, honour His Word, and respect His house.
God is watching. Heaven takes record. Let us be those who give Him the honour He deserves—both inside and outside the church walls.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, forgive me for any way I have dishonoured Your presence.
2. Father, restore the fear and reverence of God in Your house.
3. Help me to honour Your servants and obey Your Word.
4. Let my worship and offerings be acceptable before You.
5. Deliver me from every form of careless and casual Christianity.
6. Lord, sanctify my heart for true worship.
7. Help me to lead others into reverence, not rebellion.
8. Teach me to be sensitive to Your Spirit during services.
9. Let the fire of honour and holiness burn again in the church.
10. Make me a true worshipper who respects and honours You in all things.
