Then those who feared the LORD spoke with one another. The LORD paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the LORD and esteemed his name. “They shall be mine, says the LORD of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him. Then once more you shall see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him.

Malachi 3:16-18

After nearly three full chapters challenging those who were half-hearted in their faith in God, Malachi then turns to a remnant who feared the LORD. No doubt their actions followed their spoken beliefs since they “esteemed his name.” And so God promised to spare them from His coming judgment.

It may be an uncomfortable truth, but at the end of the day, there are only two kinds of people. There are those who serve God wholeheartedly and then there are the rest who do not serve or fear the LORD.

It is both a sobering and encouraging thought, don’t you agree?