How can we apply the principle of giving our best to God today? The Setting of Exodus 25:6 “olive oil for the light, spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense;” Israel brought the finest oil and rarest spices so the tabernacle would radiate beauty and holiness. Nothing cheap, nothing left-over, only their best. A Pattern of Excellence: What God Requested • Only items of highest quality (vs. 3-7) • Given voluntarily—“from every man whose heart prompts him” (v. 2) • Intended for a dwelling place worthy of the LORD’s presence (v. 8) Other echoes: • Malachi 1:8—blemished gifts dishonor God. • Proverbs 3:9-10—firstfruits open the door to God’s blessing. Time, Talents, Treasure: Three Everyday Applications • Time – Carve out prime, undistracted moments for worship and Scripture, not just leftovers before bed. – Keep one day in seven distinct for rest and devotion (Exodus 20:8-11). • Talents – Use your best skills for kingdom purposes: teach, build, mentor, write, serve. – Continually sharpen those gifts; excellence reflects the Giver (Colossians 3:23). • Treasure – Budget so your first line item honors God, not whatever is left at month’s end. – Give proportionally and cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7), aiming for generosity that stretches faith. Guarding Against Half-Hearted Offerings • Watch the drift toward convenience—if it costs nothing, it often means little (2 Samuel 24:24). • Refuse comparison; God measures faithfulness, not amounts (Mark 12:43-44). • Beware the illusion that excellence equals perfectionism; God values sincerity over show. Motivated by Love, Modeled by Christ • Romans 12:1—offer your bodies as living sacrifices. • 2 Corinthians 8:9—Christ became poor so we could become rich; our giving mirrors His generosity. • Giving our best is worship, not payment. It declares, “You are worthy.” Practical Takeaways for This Week • Identify one area—time, talent, or treasure—where “good enough” has replaced “best,” and make a concrete change. • Set aside an uninterrupted block for prayer and Scripture during your most alert hour. • Choose a ministry need and apply a skill you normally reserve for work or hobby. • Review your budget; move your giving to the top, even if beginning with a small percentage. • End each day asking, “Did my choices today show that God deserves my finest?” |
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