How can we identify the "best" to offer in our daily lives? An Anchor Verse to Guide Us “Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” – Romans 12:1 What “Best” Means in God’s Vocabulary • First and finest, not leftovers (Genesis 4:4; Proverbs 3:9) • Unblemished—free of known compromise or divided motives (Leviticus 22:21) • Offered willingly, rooted in love for God (Mark 12:30) • Costly enough to express true honor (2 Samuel 24:24) • Carried out for God’s glory rather than human applause (1 Corinthians 10:31) Questions to Ask Ourselves as We Identify the Best • Does this choice place God first or squeeze Him in? • Is any part of it marred by known sin, laziness, or half-heartedness? • Am I giving from gratitude or mere obligation? • Does it stretch my faith and require dependence on God? • Will it reflect Christ to others and draw attention to Him? Practical Areas Where “Best” Can Be Offered Time • Begin the day with unhurried Scripture and prayer—give the first minutes, not the scraps. • Schedule regular rest to stay alert for kingdom work (Exodus 20:8-10). Talents & Skills • Hone abilities through study and practice so excellence honors the Giver (Matthew 25:14-23). • Seek roles where gifts meet genuine need, not just personal preference. Resources • Budget the first portion for kingdom purposes—tithes, offerings, generosity (Malachi 3:10). • Invest in people and ministries that advance the gospel. Relationships • Offer patience, forgiveness, and truth in love (Ephesians 4:32). • Guard eyes, speech, and actions for purity and respect (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4). Work & Study • Labor “heartily, as for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). • Keep integrity when no one is watching. Mind & Heart • Fill thoughts with what is true, honorable, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). • Quickly confess sin; do not let spiritual clutter accumulate (1 John 1:9). Common Pitfalls to Watch For • Comparison—measuring offerings against others instead of God’s standard. • Perfectionism—paralysis from fear of falling short; God wants faithfulness. • Compartmentalizing—offering Sunday worship while withholding weekday obedience. Encouragement for the Journey • God’s mercies are new every morning; the call to offer our best is renewed every day (Lamentations 3:22-23). • The Holy Spirit empowers what God commands (Philippians 2:13). • Even small, unseen acts done wholeheartedly are a fragrant offering to God (Mark 12:41-44). Identify the best, lay it on the altar of daily life, and trust the One who first gave His best for us (John 3:16). |
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