How can we apply the principle of giving our best to God today? The Call to Bring Our Best: Leviticus 7:29 “Speak to the Israelites and say, ‘If anyone presents a fellowship offering to the LORD, he is to bring part of it as his offering to the LORD.’” The verse is simple yet searching: when an Israelite enjoyed peace with God, the first response was to present a choice portion back to Him. The Lord never settles for leftovers; He asks for what shows honor, gratitude, and wholehearted devotion. What “Best” Looked Like Then •Unblemished animals (Leviticus 1:3) •Choice portions—the fat covering the organs, the kidneys, the long lobe of the liver (Leviticus 3:3–5) •Prompt obedience—brought “on the day” the sacrifice was offered (Leviticus 7:15) •Personal involvement—the worshiper’s own hands waved the portion before God (Leviticus 7:30) These details underscored sincerity, costliness, and participation. Unchanging Principles Behind the Command •God is worthy of the first and finest (Proverbs 3:9–10). •Giving shapes the heart of the giver (Deuteronomy 14:23). •Offerings must be voluntary yet deliberate (Exodus 25:2). •Offerings anticipate fellowship—a shared meal with God (Leviticus 7:11–18). Ways to Give Our Best Today Time •Set apart undistracted time daily for Scripture and prayer, not the last exhausted minutes of the day (Psalm 63:1). •Guard the Lord’s Day from unnecessary encroachment (Isaiah 58:13–14). Talents •Deploy spiritual gifts for edifying the church body (1 Peter 4:10–11). •Pursue excellence in workplace and study “as for the Lord, not for men” (Colossians 3:23). Treasure •Prioritize giving in the budget—firstline, not bottom-line (1 Corinthians 16:2). •Increase generosity as God prospers you (2 Corinthians 9:7–11). •Consider quality—support ministries that faithfully preach the gospel (Philippians 4:15–18). Relationships •Offer forgiveness quickly; broken fellowship hinders worship (Matthew 5:23–24). •Show hospitality without grumbling (Romans 12:13). Worship •Sing and pray with full heart and voice (Psalm 108:1). •Prepare for corporate worship—rest, reflection, confession beforehand (Ecclesiastes 5:1). Guardrails That Keep Our Offerings Pure •Avoid polluted sacrifices—half-hearted service, token gifts (Malachi 1:7–8). •Refuse to give God what costs nothing (2 Samuel 24:24). •Check motives—love for Christ, not public applause (Matthew 6:1–4). •Remember obedience outranks ritual (1 Samuel 15:22). Encouragement from New Testament Echoes •Romans 12:1—offer your bodies “as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” •1 Corinthians 10:31—“whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” •Hebrews 13:15–16—praise, good deeds, and sharing are “sacrifices pleasing to God.” The once-for-all sacrifice of Christ perfects our imperfect offerings (Hebrews 10:14); we respond by gladly laying everything at His feet. Joyful Motives for Lavish Giving •Gratitude—He gave His best, His Son (John 3:16). •Trust—He supplies every need (Philippians 4:19). •Witness—generosity adorns the gospel (Titus 2:10). •Reward—stored in heaven where moth and rust cannot destroy (Matthew 6:19–20). Bringing our best—time, talents, treasure, and affection—honors the same holy God who once required unblemished offerings. The principle remains timeless: He is worthy, and wholehearted giving is still the believer’s fitting response. |
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