In what ways can we dedicate our "increase" to God today? Setting the Scene around Proverbs 3:9 “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest” (Proverbs 3:9). The verse calls every believer to treat every bit of gain—money, produce, salary, dividends, bonuses, gifts, skills, influence—as sacred property that first belongs to God. Core Principle: God Owns the Increase • Psalm 24:1—“The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof.” • Deuteronomy 8:18—He “gives you power to gain wealth.” Since every good thing flows from His hand, returning a portion—and ordering the use of the rest—confesses His rightful ownership. Practical Ways to Dedicate Our Increase Today 1. Financial Income • Give the first portion—before bills or discretionary spending—through your local church (Malachi 3:10). • Plan proportionate generosity: as income rises, giving rises (1 Corinthians 16:2). • Maintain a “Kingdom fund” in the budget for Spirit-prompted opportunities—mission trips, crisis relief, persecuted believers. 2. Material Goods • Treat house, car, tools, appliances as resources for hospitality and service (Romans 12:13). • Regularly declutter and release surplus to those in need (1 John 3:17). • When purchasing, choose quality and stewardship over vanity and waste. 3. Time and Talents • Tithe your schedule: earmark set hours each week for church ministry, mentoring, evangelism (Ephesians 5:15-16). • Sharpen vocational skills, not merely for promotion, but to serve with excellence “as for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23-24). • Use hobbies—music, crafts, sports—as connection points to share the gospel. 4. Influence and Platform • Leverage social media for Scripture, testimony, and encouragement rather than self-promotion (Philippians 2:3-4). • At work, advocate integrity, justice, and compassion; refuse policies that dishonor Christ (Micah 6:8). • Support godly legislation and leaders, dedicating civic influence to advance righteousness (Proverbs 14:34). 5. Spiritual Growth • Pass along biblical insights to family and small-group members; what God deposits is meant for distribution (2 Timothy 2:2). • Pray over every new truth, asking how to translate it into obedience (James 1:22). • Fast regularly, returning the time and food savings to prayer and almsgiving (Isaiah 58:6-7). Heart Posture While Dedicating Increase • Cheerful, not reluctant (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Expectant of God’s provision yet free from a prosperity-driven motive (Luke 6:38). • Humble remembrance that we are stewards, not owners (1 Peter 4:10). Promises that Accompany Dedication • Overflowing barns and vats—God meets needs abundantly (Proverbs 3:10). • Windows of heaven opened—immeasurable blessing, protection from devourers (Malachi 3:10-11). • Eternal treasures—rewards moth and rust can’t touch (Matthew 6:19-21). Simple Next Steps • List current streams of increase—salary, side hustles, possessions, talents, influence. • Pray over each line, deliberately handing it back to the Lord. • Set a concrete firstfruits amount or percentage and automate the transfer. • Schedule regular reviews—monthly or quarterly—to ensure every new gain is promptly dedicated. |
    |