How can we apply the principle of sacrificial giving in our lives? Setting the scene “His offering was one silver dish weighing 130 shekels and one silver bowl weighing 70 shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, and both filled with fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering.” (Numbers 7:13) Nahshon, first leader to step forward at the Tabernacle dedication, brings precious metal and choice grain. Everything is of measured weight, pure, and costly. Israel watches, and a pattern for sacrificial giving is set. What Nahshon’s gift teaches us • First and foremost – he gives first. Leadership begins by example. • Quality matters – silver vessels, not leftovers. • Exactness – weighed “according to the sanctuary shekel,” showing intentionality, not guesswork. • Worship over display – the flour and oil turn the vessels into an actual offering, not mere ornament. Key principles of sacrificial giving • Give the first, not the remainder (cf. Proverbs 3:9). • Give what costs you (cf. 2 Samuel 24:24). • Give with cheerful willingness (cf. 2 Corinthians 9:7). • Give in worship, acknowledging everything already belongs to God (cf. 1 Chronicles 29:14). Cementing the principle with other Scripture • Mark 12:43-44 – the widow’s two coins: value measured by sacrifice, not amount. • Romans 12:1 – our bodies as “living sacrifices”: resources, time, abilities. • Hebrews 13:16 – “do not neglect to do good and to share.” • Luke 6:38 – the generous measure returned by God. • Malachi 3:10 – trust God’s provision when giving feels risky. Putting it into practice today Finances • Set aside a tithe or other percentage as the first line in your budget. • Plan special offerings that stretch you beyond routine giving. Possessions • Hold assets lightly: tools, vehicles, even spare rooms become ministry resources. Time • Block out “firstfruits” hours each week for serving, visiting the needy, mentoring youth. Talents • Offer professional skills—accounting, carpentry, teaching, design—to strengthen your local church or mission work. Life decisions • Choose career moves, purchases, and retirement plans with kingdom impact in view, not merely personal gain. Heart checks • Am I giving my best or my leftovers? • Is my giving guided by prayer and intentional planning? • Do I still feel the cost, yet experience joy? • Would I keep giving if no one noticed? The blessings of obedience • Deeper trust: every costly gift reminds us God is the true provider. • Greater joy: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) • Kingdom impact: resources placed in God’s hands feed the hungry, spread the gospel, and build His church. Sacrificial giving turns silver dishes and fine flour—today’s money, time, and talents—into worship that honors the Lord and blesses His people. |
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