In what ways can we offer our best to God in daily life? Gideon’s Costly Offering “So Gideon went and prepared a young goat and unleavened bread from an ephah of flour. He placed the meat in a basket and the broth in a pot, brought them out and offered them to Him under the oak.” (Judges 6:19) Gideon literally sacrificed the best he had—prime meat, a substantial amount of flour, and the time required to prepare everything—at a moment when Israel was hiding from Midianite raiders and food was scarce. Scripture records this historical event with complete accuracy so we can draw practical lessons today. What Gideon’s Example Shows Us • Offering our best often costs us something tangible. • God notices both the gift and the heart that gives it (cf. 1 Samuel 16:7). • Obedience precedes victory; Gideon’s costly worship came before his military calling. How We Can Offer Our Best Each Day 1. Honor God first with resources (Proverbs 3:9). 2. Devote undistracted time for Scripture and prayer (Psalm 5:3). 3. Choose excellence in work and study “as for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). 4. Guard purity in thoughts and actions (Romans 12:1). 5. Speak words that build up rather than tear down (Ephesians 4:29). 6. Serve others sacrificially—time, energy, hospitality (Mark 12:31). 7. Maintain integrity when no one is watching (Luke 16:10). Everyday Moments That Matter • Give God the first portion of income before bills or leisure spending. • Turn off media to focus fully on family or church members who need encouragement. • Arrive at work early, prepared, viewing tasks as service to Christ. • Forgive immediately instead of rehearsing offense. • Use talents—music, craftsmanship, teaching—to bless the body of Christ. Supporting Passages to Keep in View • 2 Samuel 24:24—“I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” • Malachi 1:7-8—warning against offering blemished sacrifices. • Romans 12:1—present your bodies as a living sacrifice. • Hebrews 13:15-16—“the sacrifice of praise” and doing good. • Colossians 3:17—do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus. Living It Out God has always valued wholehearted, costly devotion. Gideon’s literal sacrifice under the oak reminds us that the Lord still deserves—not leftovers, but firstfruits. As we consciously give Him the best of our time, talents, resources, and attitudes, our daily routines become acts of worship that please Him and prepare us for whatever calling He places before us. |
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