How can we apply the principle of offering the "best part" in daily life? Key Verse “You must present as the LORD’s offering the best and holiest part of everything given to you.” – Numbers 18:29 Seeing the Pattern of the Best Part Throughout Scripture • Genesis 4:4 – Abel brings “the firstborn of his flock and their fat portions,” and the LORD looks with favor on him. • Exodus 23:19 – “Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the LORD your God.” • Proverbs 3:9-10 – Honoring the LORD with the first of all produce leads to overflowing barns and vats. • Malachi 1:8-10 – The LORD rebukes Israel for offering blemished animals, calling anything less than the best “evil.” • Mark 12:41-44 – A poor widow’s two small coins are praised because she gives all she has. • Luke 10:42 – Jesus commends Mary: “Mary has chosen the good portion,” the “best part” of focused fellowship with Him. What the “Best Part” Means Today 1. Time – giving God prime, unhurried moments, not leftovers. 2. Talents – using gifts and skills first for Kingdom purposes. 3. Treasures – the first portion of income and resources, not what remains after spending. 4. Thoughts – setting minds on things above (Colossians 3:2) before the world’s noise crowds in. 5. Testimony – speaking words that build up and honor Christ in every setting. Practical Ways to Offer Our Best Each Day • Start mornings in the Word before scrolling a phone or opening email (Psalm 5:3). • Tithe or set aside giving as soon as income is received (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Serve at church or in the community with the skills you do best—music, teaching, organizing, mentoring (1 Peter 4:10). • Approach work or study “as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23); excellence itself is an offering. • Schedule weekly Sabbath-style rest to give God undivided attention (Exodus 20:8-10). • Guard physical health as stewardship of the “temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). • Speak encouragement and truth even when sarcasm or gossip would be easier (Ephesians 4:29). • Invest quality time in family relationships, reflecting God’s covenant faithfulness (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). Motives Behind the Offering • Gratitude – recognizing every good gift is from the Father (James 1:17). • Love – “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). • Trust – giving firstfruits declares confidence that God will supply what is needed (Philippians 4:19). • Worship – offerings are tangible declarations that He is worthy (Romans 12:1). Blessings Tied to Offering the Best • Spiritual abundance: intimacy with Christ deepens when He receives first place (Luke 10:42). • Material provision: barns filled and vats overflowing (Proverbs 3:9-10). • Eternal reward: works done for the Lord survive the test of fire (1 Corinthians 3:13-14). • Witness to others: generous, excellent living points people to the Giver (Matthew 5:16). Encouragement for the Journey Offering the best part is not about earning favor—it’s the joyful response of hearts captured by grace. As each day begins, ask, “What is my finest, and how can I place it in His hands today?” The Lord who gave His very best—His Son—will marvelously multiply every wholehearted offering. |
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