How can we apply the principle of offering our best to God today? Setting the Scene “ You are to offer the Passover sacrifice to the LORD your God from the flock or the herd, in the place the LORD will choose as a dwelling for His Name.” (Deuteronomy 16:2) Principle of Honoring God with Our Best • God sets the terms of worship—location, quality, purpose. • The sacrifice was to be without defect (cf. Deuteronomy 17:1); only the finest was fitting for the LORD who redeemed Israel. • This pattern threads through Scripture: – Abel’s firstborn and fat portions (Genesis 4:4). – “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest” (Proverbs 3:9). – Malachi warns against giving the lame and blind (Malachi 1:8). • New-covenant fulfillment: “offer your bodies as living sacrifices” (Romans 12:1). The call to give God our best has never diminished—only widened to include every corner of life. What “Best” Looks Like Today 1. Time • Setting apart the first part of the day for Scripture and prayer. • Prioritizing worship on the Lord’s Day, structuring the week around it rather than squeezing it in. 2. Talents • Employing skills in service—music, teaching, craftsmanship—at a standard you would present to Christ Himself (Colossians 3:23). 3. Treasure • Intentional, proportional, and cheerful giving (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Budgeting around generosity instead of tipping God leftovers. 4. Relationships • Investing the energy to reconcile quickly and forgive freely (Ephesians 4:32). • Offering hospitality that reflects the lavish welcome of Christ (Romans 15:7). 5. Work Ethic • Delivering excellence at the job site, classroom, or home because “it is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:24). Practical Lived-Out Examples • Planning monthly finances so the first draft check goes to gospel work. • Volunteering in children’s ministry with thoughtful preparation, not Saturday-night scrambling. • Choosing integrity at work, even when cutting corners would impress a boss. • Turning off the phone to give undistracted attention to family—quality time as a sacrifice of love. • Using vacation to serve on a mission trip, offering prime calendar days to the kingdom. Guarding the Heart Behind the Gift • Motivation matters: “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion” (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Gratitude fuels excellence; guilt or pride spoils it. • Regular self-examination prevents slipping into token offerings (Psalm 139:23-24). Encouragement for Everyday Faithfulness • Small, consistent acts of firstfruits living reshape habits and affections. • God multiplies surrendered “five loaves and two fish” (John 6:9-13). • The promise still stands: “Then your barns will be filled with plenty” (Proverbs 3:10)—not always materially, but with the richer overflow of His presence. |
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