How can we ensure our offerings align with God's will, unlike in Judges 17:3? Seeing the Problem in Judges 17:3 “ ‘He returned the eleven hundred shekels of silver to his mother, and she said, “I hereby consecrate the silver to the LORD from my hand for my son to make a carved idol and a cast image; now I will return it to you.”’ ” (Judges 17:3) Micah’s mother spoke of dedicating her silver to the LORD, yet immediately directed it toward an idol. Words of consecration were paired with an act the LORD clearly forbids (Exodus 20:4; Deuteronomy 12:4). That collision of good intention and disobedient action shows why our offerings must line up with God’s revealed will. What Went Wrong? • Selective obedience—choosing one command (“consecrate”) while ignoring another (“no idols”). • Self-designed worship—doing “what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6). • Mixed motives—honoring family tradition and personal comfort above God’s instructions. Principles for God-Honoring Offerings 1. Scripture First • Offerings flow from clear biblical commands, not personal creativity. • “To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22). 2. Purity of Worship • Remove any hint of idolatry—no objects, habits, or goals that compete with God. • “Little children, keep yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21). 3. Right Motivation • Give out of love and gratitude, never to manipulate God or impress people. • “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). 4. Excellence and Integrity • Offer the “first and best,” not leftovers (Proverbs 3:9; Malachi 1:8). • Financial honesty—no ill-gotten gain, hidden strings, or questionable sources. 5. Alignment with Kingdom Purposes • Support gospel proclamation, care for the needy, and the ministry of the local church (Philippians 4:15-18; Acts 4:34-35). • Seek counsel when in doubt (Proverbs 15:22). 6. Heart-Level Worship • God desires the giver before the gift (Psalm 51:17). • Regular self-examination: “Search me, O God” (Psalm 139:23-24). Putting It into Practice • Before giving, open the Bible—confirm the gift does not violate any command. • Pray for a sincere, joyful heart that seeks God’s glory alone. • Plan offerings in advance so they reflect priority, not impulse (1 Corinthians 16:2). • Review spending patterns—does my budget reveal worship or self-indulgence? • Celebrate God’s faithfulness—track how He uses the resources entrusted to you. By grounding our offerings in Scripture, keeping our motives pure, and dedicating our best to His purposes, we avoid the trap seen in Judges 17:3 and ensure our giving truly honors the LORD. |
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