How can we apply the principle of firstfruits in our daily lives today? Seeing the Foundation in Leviticus 2:12 “You may present them to the LORD as an offering of firstfruits, but they are not to be offered on the altar for a pleasing aroma.” (Leviticus 2:12) The firstfruits in Israel were the earliest, finest produce of the harvest. God claimed that first portion as His own, teaching His people to recognize Him as their Provider and to trust Him for the rest of the crop. Tracing the Thread Through the Rest of Scripture • Proverbs 3:9-10 — “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest; then your barns will be filled with plenty…” • Deuteronomy 26:10-11 — Israel placed the basket of firstfruits before the Lord and rejoiced. Giving came with celebration, not reluctance. • Matthew 6:33 — “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” The principle shifts from produce to every priority. • Romans 12:1 — Presenting our bodies as “a living sacrifice” echoes the logic of firstfruits: the whole life placed on the altar. • James 1:18 — Believers themselves are called “a kind of firstfruits of His creatures,” showing that God still values the principle. What “Firstfruits” Looks Like Today 1. Finances • The tithe or a designated first-portion gift acknowledges God before any bills are paid. • Automate the transfer or set aside cash immediately on payday so the first act with income is worship. 2. Time • Give God the first minutes of the day in Scripture and prayer; it sets the tone for every other appointment. • Schedule weekly worship before filling the calendar with leisure or overtime. 3. Talents and Energy • Offer the freshest creativity and skill to kingdom work, not the leftovers after hobbies and scrolling. • Volunteer early in a ministry term rather than waiting to see if anything is “left on the list.” 4. Decisions • Before signing agreements or mapping goals, seek God’s will in His Word. His counsel comes first, not as a last-minute stamp of approval. 5. Relationships • In marriage, parenting, and friendships, initiate love and service rather than reacting after others give. Love’s first move mirrors God’s. Practical Steps for Everyday Life • Label your bank’s first automatic transfer “Firstfruits.” The reminder shapes the heart. • Keep an open Bible and journal by the bed or coffeepot so Scripture truly gets the first attention. • Plan meals for Sunday guests before your own weekend outings; hospitality becomes a firstfruits practice. • When a pay raise or windfall comes, decide the worship portion before deciding anything else. • Teach children to set aside part of birthday money as their first gift to God, forming lifelong habits. Promises Attached to Firstfruits • Provision — “Your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.” (Proverbs 3:10) • Perspective — Putting God first keeps worry in check because we remember Who owns the harvest (Matthew 6:33). • Participation — We mirror Christ, “the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Corinthians 15:20) Our giving joins His resurrection pattern: first comes the offering, then the full harvest of blessing. Living the firstfruits principle today is simply living as though God truly is first—because He is. |
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