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I am struck by the detail with which God instructs Moses in the presentation of acceptable offerings. A reading of Leviticus 22 as a whole gives one the unmistakable impression that it matters to God what his priests bring him.

There is a link between offering God worthy sacrifices and bringing glory or shame to His name. They are connected. Bring leftovers to Him and it dishonors Him. Bring him what He requires and it honors Him.

I don't offer burnt offerings to God in a temple, but what does what I offer Him say about how I honor Him? Do I give Him my best or my leftovers? Blemished sacrifices seemed to be those that were 1) convenient "oh, I just happen to have a lame one handy" or 2) cost-effective "certainly God wouldn't want me to offer the best one."

In my life, offering blemished sacrifices doesn't involve lame animals. No, my blemished sacrifices look more like this:

- serving and secretly wanting others to notice
- serving others with a secret hope they will repay me for my kindness
- serving and feeling entitled to gratefulness
- inability to give anonymously
- postponing my sacrifice until it's convenient for me

These are just some of the ways I dishonor the name of my holy God by offering Him convenient sacrifices. Sacrifices that are less than my best. May my heart remember that what I offer reflects upon Him.