How can we apply the principle of giving our best to God daily? Leviticus 3:14—The Choice Portion “He shall present from it an offering made by fire to the LORD: the fat surrounding the entrails, all the fat that is on them.” Why the Fat? God Deserves the Best • In the ancient world, fat was the richest, most flavorful part of the animal. • By commanding Israel to place it on the altar, God required what was considered most valuable. • Literal obedience in Israel’s worship reminds us that God still asks for first place in every area of life. Echoes Across Scripture • Abel “brought the firstborn of his flock and their fat portions” (Genesis 4:4). • “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your harvest” (Proverbs 3:9). • “Will I offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God that cost me nothing?” (2 Samuel 24:24). • “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). • “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1). Daily Ways to Give Our Best 1. Time • Begin the day in Scripture while mind and schedule are fresh. • Guard a Sabbath rhythm that sets aside unhurried worship. 2. Talents • Serve with excellence in church, work, and home. • Pursue skill development not for applause but for God’s glory. 3. Treasure • Give the first portion of income, not what remains. • Practice generosity toward those in need as unto Christ. 4. Thoughts • Refuse mental clutter that competes with devotion. • Meditate on truth throughout the day (Joshua 1:8). 5. Testimony • Speak of Christ openly, not as an afterthought. • Live with integrity so actions match words. Guarding Against Half-hearted Offerings • Watch for a “leftover” mindset—serving after hobbies, paying bills before giving, praying only when crises hit (Malachi 1:7–8). • Confess quickly when worship becomes routine. • Invite accountability; others can spot apathy we overlook. Christ, the Perfect Offering, Inspires Our Best • Jesus gave Himself “once for all” (Hebrews 10:10). • His complete surrender fuels ours; we respond, not to earn favor, but because we already have it through His sacrifice. Live It Out Today • Choose one area—time, talents, treasure, thoughts, or testimony—and offer its “fat portion” to God before anything else. • Repeat tomorrow. Continual, intentional surrender turns isolated acts into a lifestyle of giving God our very best. |
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