How can we apply the principle of offering our best to God today? Setting the Scene “Then the LORD said to Moses…” (Leviticus 22:17). What follows is a detailed command that every animal sacrificed must be without defect. God, who is holy, expected Israel to bring Him nothing less than their finest. That same God has not changed (James 1:17). What Offering Our Best Meant Then • Unblemished animals—no disease, deformity, or flaw (Leviticus 22:19-21). • The worshiper inspected the sacrifice carefully; God inspected it even more carefully. • The standard taught Israel that God is worthy of the highest honor and that sin’s cost is serious. Why It Still Matters Today • God remains worthy of first place in every arena of life (Psalm 96:7-9). • Christ offered Himself “without blemish to God” (Hebrews 9:14); our offerings mirror His supreme sacrifice. • Half-hearted gifts subtly teach our hearts that God is of lesser value than comfort, convenience, or reputation (Malachi 1:6-8). Practical Ways to Offer Our Best Time • Give God prime time, not leftover minutes—consistent, focused moments in Scripture and prayer (Psalm 5:3). • Arrange the week around Lord’s-Day worship rather than squeezing worship in around the week (Hebrews 10:24-25). Talents • Serve in the area of greatest giftedness and develop those gifts diligently (1 Peter 4:10-11). • Aim for excellence: rehearse, study, practice—because He deserves skillful praise (Psalm 33:3). Treasure • Set aside the first portion, not the final crumbs (Proverbs 3:9-10). • Give generously, cheerfully, and proportionately (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). Thought Life • Offer mental space to things that are true, noble, and pure (Philippians 4:8). • Capture stray, sinful thoughts and hand them over to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Relationships • Extend forgiveness quickly and fully—reflecting God’s lavish grace (Ephesians 4:32). • Speak words that build up, seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6). Work and Study • “Whatever you do… do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17). • Strive for integrity and diligence; excellence at the desk or job site is an offering laid on the altar of daily life. Guardrails Against Half-hearted Offerings • Regular self-examination (Psalm 139:23-24). • Accountability with mature believers (Hebrews 3:13). • Remembering that God sees motives, not merely outcomes (1 Samuel 16:7). Encouragement from Other Passages Romans 12:1: “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual service of worship.” 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” Hebrews 13:15-16: “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise… and do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” A Life of Ongoing Sacrifice Offering our best is not limited to a worship service or a donation; it is the steady, intentional habit of placing everything at His disposal. When our whole life becomes an unblemished sacrifice, we echo the heart of Leviticus 22:17—proving that the God who demanded the best then is still receiving the best now. |
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