The second dispute from the Lord – “You despise my name!” Once again, the people don’t understand why God would say that. After all, they are offering the required offerings, doing what they have to do. But there’s a problem: the animals sacrificed as the offerings are not the best. The law required that unblemished animals only be offered, none that were blind, none that were sick or lame, only the best of the flock. But the people were bringing in the second best.
The reason for the best of the flock goes back to the first commandment, having no other gods. By offering the best, a person demonstrates their trust in God to provide for them. Even though they give the best, God will continue to provide for them. By offering the blind, sick, or lame, the people are placing God not at the top, but down the list a ways. In that way they are despising His name.
That’s what Christian stewardship is all about: Trusting God with your best, giving Him the first, best part of what we have, and not simply what’s left over. It all goes back to our trust and faith in God.