How can we apply the principle of offering our best to God today? Setting the Scene “Bring the grain offering that has been prepared with these things to the LORD; present it to the priest, who will bring it to the altar.” (Leviticus 2:8) Why God Asked for the Best • Reflects His own holiness and perfection (Malachi 1:8) • Reveals a grateful heart, not mere obligation (Psalm 50:14) • Demonstrates faith that He will continue to provide (Proverbs 3:9-10) • Points forward to the flawless sacrifice of Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19) Bringing Our Best Today 1. Worship • Engage fully—sing, listen, and respond with undivided attention (Psalm 111:1). • Offer words that are true, heartfelt, and consistent with daily life (Matthew 15:8). 2. Daily Work and Studies • “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men.” (Colossians 3:23-24) • Excellence on the job or in the classroom becomes an offering that honors Him. 3. Time • Start the day with Scripture and prayer before screens and schedules (Psalm 5:3). • Guard a weekly Sabbath rhythm for rest and worship (Hebrews 4:9-11). 4. Finances and Possessions • Give first, not last, out of what He supplies (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Prioritize generosity and debt avoidance to stay free for Kingdom purposes (Proverbs 22:7). 5. Relationships • Treat family, friends, coworkers as image-bearers—patience, forgiveness, respect (Ephesians 4:32). • Integrity in hidden moments is as much an offering as public acts. 6. Talents and Spiritual Gifts • Identify skills He has entrusted; deploy them in church and community (1 Peter 4:10). • Aim for growth and refinement, not casual effort. 7. Thoughts and Desires • Surrender inner motives to the Spirit (Psalm 139:23-24). • Replace bitterness or envy with gratitude (Philippians 4:8). Heart Checks • Is my offering costly to me, or merely convenient? • Am I giving from love, or hoping to earn favor? (Isaiah 1:11-17) • Does my “best” bring attention to God or to myself? (Matthew 6:1) Hindrances to Avoid • Half-hearted worship—singing without engaging the mind. • Perfectionism rooted in fear, not faith. • Compartmentalizing Sunday from Monday-Saturday life. • Delayed obedience—waiting for ideal conditions before acting (Ecclesiastes 11:4). Fresh Motivation from the New Covenant • Romans 12:1 — “Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual service of worship.” • Hebrews 13:15-16 — Praise, good deeds, and sharing resources are sacrifices God loves. • 1 Corinthians 15:58 — Our labor in the Lord is never in vain. Living It Out Each decision—how we spend a dollar, an hour, or a conversation—can echo Leviticus 2:8. Bringing our finest doesn’t earn us salvation; it simply declares that He is worth our very best. |
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