How can we ensure our offerings honor God, unlike in Ezekiel 16:19? Setting the Scene: Ezekiel 16:19 “And My food that I gave you—the fine flour, oil, and honey with which I fed you—you set before them as a pleasing aroma. That is what happened, declares the Lord GOD.” Why God Rejected Those Offerings • They redirected God-given resources to idols. • The gifts were disconnected from love and obedience to Him. • Ingratitude: they forgot the Source of every blessing. • Hypocrisy: outward ritual masked an unfaithful heart. Principles for Offerings that Honor God Today • Return everything to its rightful Owner – “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest.” (Proverbs 3:9) • Keep motives pure and joyful – “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) • Offer yourself first, then your gift – “Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—your spiritual service of worship.” (Romans 12:1) • Guard against divided loyalty – “You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:24) • Match generosity with justice and compassion – “Do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13:16) Practical Steps for Daily Life • Set aside the first portion of income before any other expense. • Review spending habits; eliminate anything that funds ungodly purposes. • Tie giving to worship—pray over the gift, thank the Lord, then release it. • Combine financial generosity with acts of mercy: visit, serve, encourage. • Keep an open ledger with God: confess quickly when money or possessions grip the heart. • Celebrate God’s provision regularly to cultivate gratitude. Scriptures for Ongoing Reflection |
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