How can we prioritize God in our lives, inspired by Leviticus 27:26? A fresh look at Leviticus 27:26 “ But no one may consecrate a firstborn of the livestock, because a firstborn already belongs to the LORD; whether an ox or a sheep, it is the LORD’s.” What the firstborn principle teaches • God claims first place by right, not request • He marks “firstborn” as His—no bargaining, no delay • The verse assumes that giving God what is first and best is normal for His people (Exodus 13:1–2) Principles for prioritizing God • Ownership: Everything starts with acknowledging that “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1) • Order: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33) comes before personal agendas • Honor: “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your harvest” (Proverbs 3:9) reflects the Leviticus pattern • Offering of self: “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1) Translating principles into everyday habits Time • Begin the morning in Scripture before screens, chores, or news • Set phone alarms to pause and pray at regular intervals Treasure • Give the first portion of each paycheck, not the leftovers • Budget around generosity instead of squeezing it in later Talents • Reserve energy for serving in your local church and community before committing to optional pursuits • Dedicate personal gifts—music, hospitality, administration—to clear kingdom purposes Thoughts • Memorize verses that recalibrate priorities (Colossians 3:1–2; Philippians 4:8) • Replace worry with worship by thanking God aloud whenever anxiety surfaces Guarding against modern idols • Comfort – Evaluate hobbies and entertainment: do they claim firstborn time? • Career – Work diligently (Colossians 3:23) yet refuse projects that crowd out worship or family discipleship • Consumption – Track spending for a month; let numbers reveal what really ranks first • Connectivity – Limit social media; redeem the minutes for prayer and person-to-person ministry Living as redeemed firstborn people Jesus is “the firstborn over all creation… that in everything He may have the supremacy” (Colossians 1:15, 18). Because He offered Himself without reservation, we gladly echo Leviticus 27:26 by giving God our first and best—today and every day. |
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